Algeria
Flair-filled side back after 12 years
Back after 12 years, with a vast diaspora following — but they ran into a Messi hat-trick.
Watchability4/5
Drama4/5
Star power3/5
Title shot1/5
Team rating
77TEAM
- Attack79
- Midfield76
- Defense73
Next matches
- Next upvs JordanLevi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CAJun 22
- vs AustriaArrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MOJun 27
The read
Algeria are back after a 12-year absence, last seen pushing Germany to extra time in 2014, and they carry a vast Maghreb-and-diaspora following — they play French-system flair for a flag that means something. But they ran straight into a Messi , losing 3-0 to Argentina, and sit bottom of the group on zero points. If forward Mohamed Amoura rediscovers his qualifying form, they can still take points off the rest.
The fan’s readBack after 12 years with French-system flair and a vast Maghreb-and-diaspora following — if Amoura rediscovers his qualifying form they can take points off anyone in this group.
The cast
- Vladimir PetkovićBosnian-Swiss coach (formerly Switzerland boss) who took over Algeria in 2024 and qualified them for 2026manager
- Riyad MahrezA Premier League title-winner captaining his country in likely his last World Cup.ClubAl-Ahli
- Mohamed Amoura ★Rejected twice for being too small — then top-scored across all of African qualifying.ClubVfL Wolfsburg
- Ibrahim MazaCalled his shot before facing Argentina — the result didn't follow, but the nerve did.ClubBayer Leverkusen
- Amine GouiriFrench-born Ligue 1 flair — the one who scores the highlight-reel goal.ClubOlympique de Marseille
