Anis Hadj Moussa set for emotional return to De Kuip

Anis Hadj Moussa will return to De Kuip on 3 June when Algeria face the Netherlands in a World Cup warm-up match that carries deep personal meaning for the midfielder.

The friendly, scheduled to take place at De Kuip, will see Hadj Moussa step back onto the pitch where he made his mark with Feyenoord — this time wearing the colours of Algeria.

For the Algerian international, the occasion extends beyond routine preparation. De Kuip has been the stage for many of his club performances, and the upcoming fixture offers a reunion with Dutch supporters who witnessed his development at close range.

Now an established starter at club level, he will have the opportunity to demonstrate his form on familiar ground and underline his importance to the national side.

The match forms part of Algeria’s build-up to the 2026 World Cup and could play a significant role in shaping Hadj Moussa’s confidence ahead of the tournament.

A strong display against high-level opposition may also influence his place in the starting line-up when the competition begins.

Under head coach Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria are preparing for their fifth appearance at the World Cup. The meeting with the Netherlands — often referred to as the “Clockwork Orange” — is designed to test the squad’s cohesion and readiness against established European opposition.

Algeria have been drawn in a demanding group alongside Argentina, Austria and Jordan. With challenging fixtures ahead, the technical staff view the encounter in Rotterdam as an opportunity to assess tactical organisation and competitive sharpness before the tournament gets under way.

For Hadj Moussa, however, the fixture has an added emotional layer. Returning to De Kuip provides a rare chance to combine club memories with international ambition.

The midfielder will seek to show that his club form can translate seamlessly onto the international stage as Algeria finalise their preparations.

After the match, the Netherlands will continue their own World Cup build-up, while Hadj Moussa is expected to rejoin the Algerian camp to continue fine-tuning his game under Petkovic’s guidance.

The evening in Rotterdam promises both strategic value and personal resonance as the countdown to the World Cup gathers pace.