Team Profile
- Federation: African Football Confederation
- Confederation: CAF
- Manager: Vladimir Petkovic
- Star Player: Riyad Mahrez
- Nickname: The Greens / Les Verts
- Home Stadium: Stade Nelson Mandela, Algiers
FIFA Rank #32
Algeria
Algeria national team profile: des FRA Foxes with Mahrez and Bennacer leading a talented squad seeking a first World Cup knockout stage.
World Cup Record
- Titles: 0
- Appearances: 4
- Best Finish: Group stage (1982, 1986, 2010, 2014)
- Last Appearance: 2014 (Group stage)
- All-time Record: 3W – 2D – 5L
Tournament History
Algeria's World Cup history is frustratingly thin for a nation with such a rich footballing culture. Their four appearances (1982, 1986, 2010, 2014) have all ended in the group stage — a record that understates the quality of individual players this nation has produced. The 2010 South Africa tournament was Algeria's most competitive. Rabah Madjer's famous back-heel goal against West Germany in 1982 — one of the greatest goals ever scored at a World Cup — gave Algeria a famous victory, though they were controversially eliminated. It remains the defining moment in Algerian World Cup history. The 2014 Brazil campaign was their most recent — and most disappointing. Despite having Mahrez, Sofiane Feghouli, and Islam Slimani, Algeria finished bottom of a group containing Belgium, Russia, and South Korea. The 2018 qualification failure was a significant setback. The Mahrez-Bennacer generation represents Algeria's best opportunity yet. Bennacer's emergence as an elite AC Milan midfielder gives them a player who can dominate at the highest level, and Mahrez provides the creative spark. The 2026 World Cup is a genuine opportunity to finally break the group-stage pattern.
Latest News
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It's another week of 2026 FIFA World Cup action, and we have some big teams playing today, including Argentina, France and Norway.
Updated: 2026-06-22T17:06:51Z · Read more
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Following along with all the updates as Argentina take on Austria in Arlington, Texas, in the 2026 World Cup.
Updated: 2026-06-22T17:05:02Z · Read more
📰 Why are England fans singing 'Wonderwall' at the World Cup?
It was one of the moments of the tournament so far. Why are England fans singing Wonderwall at the World Cup?
Updated: 2026-06-22T16:36:29Z · Read more
Latest News
📰 World Cup Daily: Yamal to start for Spain vs. Saudi Arabia
Another World Cup day, with four more exciting matchups. First up, Lamine Yamal is back in the starting XI for Spain against Saudi Arabia.
Updated: 2026-06-21T16:42:03Z · Read more
📰 Chris Wood: New Zealand are hugely motivated to get first World Cup win
Chris Wood: New Zealand are hugely motivated to get first World Cup win
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📰 France's William Saliba playing through pain at World Cup with 'gritted teeth'
William Saliba has said he has been playing through pain for several months but the Arsenal defender has been inspired to keep pushing by the opportunity to make history.
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Latest News
📰 Room: I knew no ball was going to go in today
Room: I knew no ball was going to go in today
Updated: 2026-06-21T08:46:48Z · Read more
📰 Koeman: We have more confidence after victory vs. Sweden
Koeman: We have more confidence after victory vs. Sweden
Updated: 2026-06-21T08:44:38Z · Read more
📰 Does Undav deserve to start for Germany after his performance vs. Ivory Coast?
Does Undav deserve to start for Germany after his performance vs. Ivory Coast?
Updated: 2026-06-21T07:57:31Z · Read more
Latest News
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Updated: 2026-06-16T08:46:34Z · Read more
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Check out all the fixtures, features and results for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Updated: 2026-06-16T08:28:42Z · Read more
📰 Socceroos World Cup Daily: Has Australia been underrated?
Join Joey Lynch and Alex Hatzikostas each day as they go behind the scenes in the Socceroos camp and give the inside word on all the action at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Updated: 2026-06-16T07:50:28Z · Read more
📰 Latest News — June 10, 2026
🇩🇿 Algeria Upset Netherlands 1-0 in World Cup Warm-Up. Algeria scored a late goal to beat the Netherlands 1-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly, per Reuters. Manager Ronald Koeman called the defeat a "wake-up call" for the Dutch. Algeria — who face defending champions Argentina in Group I — arrive in Kansas City this weekend for their base camp. A morale-boosting result ahead of their tournament opener. More →
Key Players
- Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli)
- Ismaïl Bennacer (AC Milan)
- Bounedjah
- Kalldis
Strengths
- Mahrez — genuine world-class talent
- Bennacer is elite Serie A midfielder
- Bounedjah's goal record at national team level
- Strong domestic league producing consistent players
Concerns
- World Cup qualification record is poor
- Mahrez's form for Algeria has been inconsistent
- No knockout stage appearances in any World Cup
- Defensive record at major tournaments below par
Road to 2026
Coming soon — qualification coverage for the 2026 World Cup cycle.
2026 World Cup Prediction
Algeria's 2026 prospects depend heavily on Mahrez maintaining his best form and Bennacer staying fit. The squad has the talent to qualify from CAF, but their World Cup track record suggests group stage is the realistic ceiling. A Round of 16 appearance would be a significant overachievement for this generation.
Want to track their path? View fixtures and follow standings.
Group Stage
World Cup 2026 · Group J · Match schedule TBD — opponents confirmed
Matchday 1 · June 2026
Algeria vs Argentina
Venue TBD
Matchday 2 · June 2026
Algeria vs Austria
Venue TBD
Matchday 3 · June 2026
Algeria vs Jordan
Venue TBD