2026 World Cup Qualifier: Algeria’s U20 women target strong start in Senegal 

Algeria’s U20 women’s national team will face Senegal on Saturday in Thiès in the first leg of the second round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

The squad, led by coach Sid Ahmed Mouaz, arrived in Dakar on Wednesday ahead of the decisive encounter at the Lat Dior Stadium, which kicks off at 18:00 local time.

Algeria are hoping to secure a favourable result before the return leg, scheduled for 27 September at the Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida.

Preparations began on 15 September at the National Technical Centre in Sidi Moussa, with 21 players called up, including eight who are currently based in Europe.

The team completed three sessions before travelling to Dakar, and will finalise preparations with two further training sessions on Thursday and Friday.

The squad includes several key players from Afak Relizane, among them striker Sihem Azzouz, as well as Zaza Rebahi and Hanen Sehoul, who recently competed in the UNAF qualifying tournament for the Women’s Champions League in Tunisia.

Afak Relizane finished third in that competition, behind AS FAR of Morocco and Egypt’s FC Masar.

The team’s ambition is to recover from the disappointment of missing qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by claiming one of the four African slots for the World Cup.

For coach Mouaz, Saturday’s clash is the first step towards that goal.

Senegal, who will enjoy home advantage in the first leg, are expected to provide stiff competition, but Algeria are determined to remain in contention until the second leg in Blida.

We know the importance of this game, a member of the technical staff said earlier in the week. A positive result away from home could make all the difference in the return match.

The Algerian delegation in Dakar is being led by Ms. Nedjma Derradji, a member of the FAF federal office and president of the federation’s Women’s Commission.

Her presence underlines the importance attached by the Algerian Football Federation to the development of the women’s game at youth level.

Kick-off at the Lat Dior Stadium is set for Saturday evening, with both sides aware that their hopes of reaching Poland will hinge heavily on the outcome of this first meeting.

For Algeria’s young squad, the challenge is clear: remain disciplined, seize opportunities, and keep their World Cup dream alive heading into the decisive return fixture on home soil.