World Cup 2026: Algeria seek historic quarter-final bid as Switzerland stand in their way

Algeria will look to keep their FIFA World Cup dream alive when they face Switzerland in the Round of 32 on Thursday night, knowing an improved performance will be required to progress beyond the knockout stage.

The North Africans have reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since their memorable last-16 appearance 12 years ago against eventual champions Germany.

They booked their place in this year’s knockout phase after finishing among the best third-placed teams, collecting four points during the group stage while scoring five goals and conceding seven.

Although Algeria have produced some exciting attacking football throughout the tournament, they are also aware that there is room for improvement if they are to continue their run. Switzerland, renowned for their organisation and consistency, present a far sterner challenge than anything they have faced so far.

One of the main concerns for Algeria has been their defensive record. The team has regularly conceded avoidable goals, often after putting themselves under unnecessary pressure.

An individual mistake led to Jordan’s goal, while questions were also raised over their positioning and marking during the match against Austria.

Those issues will need to be addressed against a Swiss side that has built its reputation on tactical discipline. Operating in a well-drilled 4-2-3-1 formation, Switzerland have consistently remained competitive on the international stage despite not possessing one of the world’s deepest pools of elite players.

Head coach Vladimir Petković is not expected to move away from the 4-2-3-1 system he has employed during the tournament, even though Algeria’s performances in that shape have produced mixed results.

Instead, the emphasis is likely to be on restoring the defensive solidity the team showed before the World Cup, when they conceded only five goals across their previous 12 matches.

While the level of opposition has increased significantly, Algeria know they must rediscover the mentality that allowed them to control matches before arriving at the tournament.

Another feature of their campaign has been their resilience. Algeria have frequently responded well after falling behind, showing determination to recover during matches.

However, they will hope to convert their dominance of possession into greater attacking threat rather than relying on late responses.

Their control of the ball has been one of the positives of the tournament, particularly during the match against Austria, but they have not always translated that superiority into clear-cut opportunities or enough goals.

Switzerland have also dominated possession in each of their three group-stage matches, suggesting Thursday’s contest could be decided by which midfield gains control.

The battle in the centre of the pitch is therefore expected to play a significant role in determining who advances to the last 16.

Petković also faces important selection decisions, including his choice of goalkeeper, with Zidane viewed as a possible option capable of helping create attacking opportunities.

Probable Algeria XI: Zidane – Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaïni, Aït-Nouri – Chaïbi, Bentaleb, Aouar – Gouiri, Mahrez.

The Round of 32 meeting between Switzerland and Algeria will be played at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, with Algeria aiming to continue their World Cup journey by overcoming one of the tournament’s most disciplined sides.