Algeria’s long wait for another World Cup appearance could finally end this Thursday when they face Somalia in a decisive 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran.
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 local time, with victory guaranteeing the Fennecs a place at the tournament in the Americas next June.
It has been twelve years since Algeria last graced football’s biggest stage — Brazil 2014 — when stars such as Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani captured the imagination of fans across the world.
Now, with qualification within reach, anticipation is building across the country.
For supporters eager to follow the action live, national broadcaster ENTV will air the encounter on both TV1 and TV6.
Coverage begins ahead of the 17:00 kick-off, featuring a pre-match panel that will reveal the confirmed line-ups and deliver tactical analysis before the teams take to the pitch.
Fans across the broader Middle East and North Africa region will also have access to the match through the Saudi-based streaming service Shahid TV, which will broadcast the game live from 17:00 Algerian time.
The platform, which has secured rights to several CAF World Cup qualifiers, will provide Arabic-language coverage and commentary.
For Algerian supporters in Europe, particularly those based in France, L’Équipe Live holds the rights to air the African qualifiers.
The match between Algeria and Somalia will be available through the subscription service for €10.99.
The French sports outlet has been broadcasting select CAF qualifiers this campaign, giving diaspora fans an opportunity to follow the national team’s journey.
The stakes could not be higher. A win would seal Algeria’s direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup — the first edition to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The opportunity represents a chance for redemption after the heartbreak of missing out on Qatar 2022 in dramatic fashion.
Supporters in Oran are expected to fill the Miloud Hadefi Stadium to capacity, creating a vibrant and emotional atmosphere for a match that could mark a historic moment in Algerian football.
With Mahrez and company leading a new generation of Fennecs, the nation will be glued to its screens — at home, in cafes, or on streaming platforms — as they hope to see their team secure a long-awaited return to the world stage.
Broadcast details:
- Kick-off: 17:00 (local time) – Thursday, 9 October 2025
- In Algeria: ENTV (TV1 & TV6)
- In MENA region: Shahid TV
- In France: L’Équipe Live (€10.99 subscription)
Jour de match ⚽️! L’Algérie pourrait retrouver le Mondial 12 ans après. Rendez-vous ce soir ! pic.twitter.com/Ymgc2o0V05
— La Gazette du Fennec (@LGDFennec) October 8, 2025
