BIR EL DJIR, Algeria — Algeria has officially become the fourth African nation to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, joining other teams from northern Africa.
With a decisive 3-0 victory over Somalia on Thursday, Algeria clinched the top position in Group G during the African qualifiers, marking their return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
Under the leadership of former Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic and captain Riyad Mahrez, Algeria joins neighboring Morocco, Tunisia, and Mohamed Salah‘s Egypt in the prestigious tournament, which will feature an expanded 48 teams and take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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This will mark Algeria’s fifth appearance in the World Cup, with their only advancement beyond the group stage occurring in 2014, when they were eliminated by Germany in the round of 16.
A total of nine African teams will gain direct entry into the World Cup, with the tournament draw scheduled for December 5 in Washington D.C.
In the upcoming matches, the remaining group winners will be determined within the next week. The four best runners-up will compete in a knockout format in November, with the victor advancing to the playoffs.
Despite Somalia hosting the match, it took place at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex in Algeria, where fans enjoyed an impressive performance from Mahrez. The star winger, formerly with Manchester City and currently with Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia, made significant contributions by assisting Mohamed Amoura for goals in both the sixth and 58th minutes, while netting one himself in the 19th minute with a powerful strike.
Mahrez began his international career shortly before the 2014 World Cup, being included in Algeria’s squad despite only featuring in the team’s first group match.
Meanwhile, Uganda remains in second place in the group, four points shy of Algeria, following a 1-0 win against Botswana that lifted them three points clear of Mozambique, which lost 2-1 to Guinea.
As the final round of matches approaches, Uganda will face Algeria, while Mozambique takes on Somalia.
All African teams heading to the World Cup aim to replicate Morocco’s landmark achievement, which saw them become the first African nation to reach the semifinals in the 2022 tournament held in Qatar.