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.
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.