Amine Gouiri confident Algeria will seal World Cup spot

Amine Gouiri has voiced strong confidence in Algeria’s ability to book their place at the 2026 World Cup, stressing that the team is determined to end a decade-long absence from the tournament.

The Olympique de Marseille forward, fresh from an impressive display in his club’s 1-0 Ligue 1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Monday evening, shared his optimism with beIN Sports.

We need a win to secure qualification, and we’re going to play two consecutive home games. This is the perfect opportunity to achieve our goal, he said.

Algeria, who last appeared on football’s biggest stage at Brazil 2014, stand just three points away from guaranteeing their return.

Under coach Vladimir Petkovic, the team has built a solid campaign that now hinges on two decisive fixtures in October.

On 9 October, the Greens host Somalia at the Miloud-Hadefi Stadium in Oran, followed by a clash with Uganda five days later at the Hocine Aït-Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou.

Both matches will be played in front of fervent home support, an advantage Gouiri believes could prove vital in pushing the team over the line.

The 24-year-old has become a central figure in Petkovic’s attack, adding creativity and a goal threat that have helped reinvigorate Algeria’s frontline.

His comments reflect a wider sense of belief within the squad that qualification is within reach.

We will give everything to please our fans and ensure our return to the world stage, Gouiri added, underlining the motivation driving the group.

For Algerian supporters, the stakes could not be higher.

Missing out on both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups has been a bitter disappointment for a nation with a proud footballing history.

The memory of 2014, when Algeria reached the round of 16 before falling narrowly to eventual champions Germany, still resonates strongly.

Victory in either of the upcoming fixtures would seal qualification, but the Greens’ ambition goes beyond merely scraping through.

Petkovic has spoken of building a side capable of competing at the highest level, blending experienced internationals with emerging talents like Gouiri.

The atmosphere in Oran and Tizi Ouzou is expected to be electric, with supporters eager to witness the moment their team confirms a long-awaited return to the global stage.

For Gouiri and his teammates, the mission is clear: deliver the results, and restore Algeria’s presence at the World Cup after 12 years away.