Algeria secures a World Cup spot after 12 years

Riyad Mahrez and his teammates delivered an impressive performance during their away match against the "hosts" Somalia, earning Algeria an unexpected triumph.

The victory over Somalia gave Algeria 22 points, 5 points ahead of second-placed Uganda with only one qualifier left. This means the "Desert Foxes" have officially qualified for the World Cup for the fifth time in their history, following appearances in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014. Their last participation was in Brazil 2014, where Mahrez and his team made Germany sweat to advance past the round of 16.

Despite playing away, coach Vladimir Petković’s squad showed clear superiority by dominating the match throughout. The former Man City star, now with Al-Ahli, shined with two assists and a goal, leading Algeria to a 3-0 victory.

This win not only ends a 12-year absence from the world’s biggest stage but also marks a strong revival of Algerian football — a team once famous for its resilient spirit and technically skilled North African style.

Under the leadership of coach Djamel Belmadi, the blend of experienced key players and young talents is bringing positive signs for the "Desert Foxes." This comeback is seen as a crucial milestone for the team to reclaim its status as a major force in African football.

According to the new qualification format, the nine group winners from Africa will directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada, the USA, and Mexico. Algeria is the fourth African nation to secure a spot, following Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. The remaining five group winners will be decided next week, while the four best runners-up will compete in playoffs in November (along with representatives from Asia, South America, Oceania, and two from CONCACAF) to claim the final two World Cup places.

Twenty national teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup so far:

Co-hosts: USA, Mexico, Canada.

South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Paraguay, Colombia.

Africa: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria.

Asia: Japan, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan, Australia.

Oceania: New Zealand.