The Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi-Ouzou is ready to host Algeria’s World Cup qualifier against Botswana on 4 September, with officials confirming that the pitch is in excellent condition.
Algeria will return to action in the September FIFA window for two decisive qualifiers in the 2026 World Cup campaign.
The Greens face Botswana in Tizi-Ouzou at 17:00 local time before travelling to Casablanca to take on Guinea at the Mohamed V Stadium on 8 September, also at 17:00.
The Tizi-Ouzou venue has undergone significant work throughout the summer to prepare for the occasion.
Since the Ligue 1 fixture between JS Kabylie and ASO Chlef on 21 June, the surface has been carefully renovated.
According to stadium officials, the result is a perfectly maintained pitch designed to give Riyad Mahrez and his teammates the best possible platform.
The pitch will be like a billiard table for the national team, sources told Foot Afrique, underlining the attention given to ensuring optimum playing conditions.
The fixture also marks an important opportunity for JS Kabylie, who will benefit from the upgraded surface in domestic competition.
The club has strengthened its squad heavily during the transfer window, with ambitions of competing for the league title this season.
For the Algerian national side, the Tizi-Ouzou match represents both a symbolic and practical boost.
With major stadiums in the capital still under renovation, the Hocine Aït Ahmed ground provides a reliable alternative to ensure the qualifiers proceed smoothly.
The timing of the upgrades could not be better, as Algeria enters the final stretch of qualifying for the 2026 tournament, to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Victory against Botswana would keep them firmly in contention, while the subsequent clash against Guinea in Casablanca could prove pivotal to their group ambitions.
With the pitch confirmed ready, focus now shifts entirely to the players.
Algeria’s preparations will be watched closely, particularly with the national team eager to secure an early advantage in September’s double-header.
For supporters in Tizi-Ouzou, the occasion will be historic: hosting a World Cup qualifier on a surface described as flawless, with the prospect of seeing their national team showcase its quality in front of a home crowd.
