Algerian FA launches World Cup review as Vladimir Petkovic’s future remains undecided

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has confirmed it is carrying out a comprehensive review of the national team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, while stopping short of making an immediate decision on the future of head coach Vladimir Petkovic.

In a lengthy statement released after Algeria’s elimination in the Round of 32, the federation acknowledged that the tournament ended below expectations but stressed that the country’s return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence marked an important milestone in its long-term rebuilding project.

The announcement comes amid growing speculation over Petkovic’s position.

While reports had suggested the Swiss coach could leave his role, the federation has not announced any change, with the coach officially on leave until the end of July as the evaluation process continues.

The FAF said the Federal Bureau would make any future decisions only after a detailed assessment of the team’s performances and the organisation surrounding Algeria’s participation at the tournament.

FAF begins full review of World Cup campaign

The federation admitted that Algeria’s exit from the World Cup was disappointing but insisted it would carefully examine every aspect of the team’s campaign before determining the next steps.

In its statement, the FAF said:

“The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) expresses its regret following the national team’s elimination in the Round of 32 of the World Cup. This result fell short of the fans’ expectations. Nevertheless, Algeria’s return to the final stages of the competition, after a twelve-year absence, represents a significant step in the process of rebuilding and developing national football. The Federation remains fully aware, however, that this qualification is only one step and that the expectations of the Algerian people demand performances worthy of the history, potential, and ambitions of national football.”

The federation added that it fully understood the disappointment felt by supporters and shared their ambition of seeing Algeria consistently compete at the highest level of international football.

According to the statement, the evaluation will examine both sporting and organisational matters to identify lessons learned, weaknesses that require attention and measures capable of improving the competitiveness of the national team in the future.

Petkovic decision delayed during evaluation

Although the federation did not directly address Petkovic’s future in the statement, no decision has yet been taken regarding the Swiss coach.

Instead, the review process will continue before the Federal Bureau reaches any conclusions.

The statement read:

“True to its responsibilities, the Federation has undertaken a comprehensive and objective evaluation of this participation. This analysis will cover all sporting and organizational aspects in order to clearly identify the lessons learned, the shortcomings to be addressed, and the measures to be implemented to sustainably strengthen the competitiveness of our national team.”

The federation also reaffirmed that its wider football development strategy remains unchanged, pointing to reforms introduced over recent years.

According to the FAF, those reforms include improvements in governance, financial management, infrastructure development, youth training, domestic competitions, women’s football, futsal, refereeing and the digitalisation of administrative procedures.

Federation condemns abuse and misinformation

Alongside its sporting assessment, the federation also addressed the public reaction following Algeria’s World Cup exit.

While welcoming constructive criticism, the FAF drew a clear distinction between reasoned debate and behaviour it considers harmful to Algerian football.

It stated:

“The Federation respectfully welcomes all objective and constructive criticism formulated in the interest of national football. It believes that the exchange of ideas, when based on facts, respect for individuals, and the search for solutions, is an essential factor in progress.”

However, the statement continued:

“However, the FAF condemns in the strongest possible terms hate speech, disinformation campaigns, attempts to manipulate public opinion, personal attacks, and any form of incitement to division or verbal violence. Freedom of expression can in no way justify insults, defamation, threats, or attacks on the dignity of individuals and institutions.”

The federation added that it would remain committed to transparency, good governance and implementing reforms designed to strengthen Algerian football.

Unity urged as review continues

The FAF concluded by insisting that building a successful national team requires patience, stability and a long-term vision rather than short-term reactions.

It also confirmed that the Federal Bureau would announce any decisions after the ongoing evaluation has been completed.

The statement ended with a call for unity across Algerian football, encouraging leagues, clubs, players, coaches, referees, officials, media, partners and supporters to work together as the federation continues its development programme.

While speculation over Vladimir Petkovic’s future continues, the FAF has made clear that no decision will be rushed, with the outcome depending on the conclusions of its comprehensive post-World Cup review.