Algeria is heading to the World Cup! The nation burst with joy on Thursday as the Desert Foxes officially secured their spot in the 2026 tournament. This marks the fifth time Algeria will play on football’s biggest stage, a moment long awaited by fans.
It has been a full 12 years since Algeria last tasted World Cup action. Their previous appearance in 2014 saw them make it to the round of 16, where they were eventually knocked out by eventual champions Germany. Before that, the team found themselves exiting in the group stage during the 2010, 1986, and 1982 competitions. This qualification feels like a fresh start.
The decisive match unfolded in Oran, which served as a stand-in venue because the game could not be played in Somalia. Algeria put on a strong show against the group’s last-place team, clinching a dominant 3-0 victory. Striker Mohamed Amoura netted two goals, and star player Ryan Mahrez added another to seal the deal with confidence.
This big win pushed Algeria’s points total to an unassailable 22. That puts them four points ahead of Uganda, who currently sit in second place. Third-placed Mozambique saw their chances fade today, losing 2-1 at home to Guinea-Conakry, a team coached by Portugal’s Paulo Duarte. With just one matchday left, Algeria’s lead is simply too much for anyone to overcome.
The upcoming 23rd edition of the World Cup promises to be a spectacular event. Forty-eight teams will compete from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Algeria now proudly joins 17 other nations who have already secured their places, besides the three host countries. Fellow African powerhouses Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia are also among the qualified teams, making for an exciting continental representation.