Vladimir Petkovic vows to make Algerians proud with World Cup qualification in sight

Vladimir Petkovic has promised that Algeria will give everything in their final qualifying matches to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.

The Bosnia-born coach spoke with determination as he prepared his team for two decisive fixtures: Thursday, October 9 against Somalia in Oran and Tuesday, October 14 against Uganda in Tizi-Ouzou. Both encounters will decide Algeria’s fate in Group G.

“We are facing two extremely important matches. Our opponents will give their all and fight hard against us,” Petkovic said during a press conference at Mohamed Sellah Hall in the Nelson Mandela Stadium.

A win over Somalia would officially confirm Algeria’s fifth World Cup appearance after the tournaments in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014.

“Somalia may seem weak, but if you look at their recent matches, they have shown they can take several points. Uganda is the most in-form team in our group; since their defeat to us, they haven’t dropped many points,” he explained.

Petkovic ended with a message of unity: “We will do everything to make the Algerian people proud of us.”

Algeria currently tops Group G with 19 points.