Algeria in talks for friendly against Saudi Arabia ahead of November international break

Algeria could face Saudi Arabia in a friendly match this November as the Fennecs prepare for the final stages of their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

Discussions between the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and their Saudi counterparts are reportedly ongoing, with the North African side looking to arrange competitive fixtures during the upcoming international break.

Having already secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Algeria find themselves in a strong position in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Leading their group by four points ahead of Uganda, the Fennecs are set to play their final two home matches in October, hosting Somalia in Oran on October 9 before facing Uganda’s Paul Put-led side in Tizi-Ouzou five days later.

Barring an unexpected upset, Algeria are expected to secure their place at the global tournament.

Despite this favorable position, the FAF is planning ahead to ensure the national team remains sharp and prepared for the final stages of qualification and the upcoming CAN.

Arranging friendly matches is part of that strategy, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a potential destination for one or more fixtures during the November international window, according to Afrik-Foot sources.

Saudi Arabia themselves are deep into their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, set to face Indonesia and Iraq in the fourth round of the Asian qualifiers on October 8 and 14.

Should they finish second in their group, the Saudis could be required to contest a play-off in November against another Asian side, leaving the door open for friendly matches during the same period.

This makes a potential clash with Algeria a mutually beneficial arrangement, allowing both teams to maintain match sharpness ahead of decisive competitive fixtures.

If confirmed, the friendly would mark the fifth meeting between Algeria and Saudi Arabia, all of which have previously taken place as non-competitive matches.

Historically, the record between the two nations is evenly balanced: Saudi Arabia won twice, beating Algeria 4-2 in Riyadh in 1984 and 2-0 in Cadiz, Spain in 2018, while Algeria secured draws on both occasions in 1986 in Khobar (0-0 and 1-1).

A new meeting in November would give both teams an opportunity to test tactics and assess emerging players ahead of major competitions.

There is also speculation that Algeria could play a second friendly in the Persian Gulf during the same international break, potentially allowing the Fennecs to benefit from consecutive high-level fixtures in a neutral or regional setting.

Such preparation would serve to maintain squad cohesion and competitive rhythm, particularly important for a team competing on multiple fronts including World Cup qualifiers and continental tournaments.

For the FAF, organizing matches against a team of Saudi Arabia’s calibre is not only a sporting opportunity but also a chance to strengthen ties with fellow international football associations.

The November fixtures, if confirmed, would provide Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi with valuable options to rotate players, evaluate emerging talent, and refine tactical approaches in preparation for the final stages of the World Cup qualifying campaign and the upcoming Maracana Africa Cup of Nations.

With negotiations reportedly ongoing, Algerian fans and football observers will be watching closely to see if the Fennecs can secure this high-profile friendly, adding another chapter to the brief but competitive history between the two nations.