2026 World Cup: Algeria drawn in Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, Austria and Jordan

Former African champions, Algeria have been paired in Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament in North America.

The Fennecs of Algeria will be joined by Austria and Jordan in the group following the draw in Washington DC on Friday evening

The 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team format, giving Africa a record nine automatic slots.

The tournament, scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in North America promises to be an exciting one. Algeria, considered as one of the strongest African nations for the biggest soccer mundial will be hoping to make a meaning impact in North America next year.

Under Bosnian gaffer Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria will be aiming to surpass their last 16 feat in 2014, giving the squad depth at their disposal.

The Fennecs of Algeria will be counting on several top players including former African Footballer of the Year, Riyad Mahrez, Adam Ounas, Yacine Brahimi Reda Benchaa, goalkeeper Farid Chaâl and others.

It will be Algeria’s fifth World Cup appearance, having previously competed in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014, with their best performance coming in 2014 when they reached the round of 16, losing 2-1 to Germany after extra time.

Before chalking round 16 feat, the North African football heavyweights had failed to advance from the group stage of the global showpiece.

For the team time, Algeria will focus on the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, scheduled between December 2025 and January 2026.

The continental showpiece could also equip the Algeria national team ahead of the biggest soccer mundial next year.