Vladimir Petkovic: Under-fire Algeria boss attracts World Cup suitors from Africa and Asia

Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic is facing intense scrutiny at home after a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign – but several national teams across Africa and Asia are reportedly lining up to hire him if he leaves his post.

The 62-year-old, heavily criticised by sections of Algerian supporters after the Fennecs exited in the round of 32, is said to be on the shortlist of three national sides that all took part in this summer’s World Cup, according to Algerian outlet Echorouk News.

While the interested associations have not been named, the report claims one African and two Asian federations have expressed a concrete interest in Petkovic.

However, they are understood to be awaiting a final decision from the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) on the coach’s future before advancing their approaches.

Algeria divided over Petkovic’s future

Petkovic, a Swiss-Bosnian coach best known for his previous spell with Switzerland, came under fire after Algeria’s “half-hearted” World Cup showing, which ended with elimination in the first knockout round.

Despite the frustration among fans, the FAF’s technical committee is reportedly in favour of keeping Petkovic in charge – but only on the condition that he overhauls his backroom staff.

That caveat is said to be a major sticking point. The coach is not believed to be keen on replacing key members of his technical team, potentially putting him on a collision course with his employers.

At the same time, reports in Algeria suggest the federation “dreams” of appointing a Spanish coach should Petkovic depart, reflecting a wider trend of North African teams turning to Iberian tacticians in recent years.

Foreign interest – and a history of rumours

The latest links to African and Asian national sides come with a note of caution. The report itself acknowledges that the information “should be taken with tweezers” – a French expression meaning it must be handled carefully or viewed sceptically.

In the recent past, there have already been unsubstantiated claims surrounding Petkovic’s future.

Before the World Cup, rumours circulated that Poland had made an offer to secure his services at a time when the FAF was in talks to extend his contract.

Following Algeria’s poor World Cup campaign, those suggestions were denied. Critics argued that the alleged Polish interest had been floated as a trial balloon by the FAF – a way to imply there was foreign competition for Petkovic, and thereby justify renewing his deal through to 2028.

This history of mixed signals and denials has led observers to treat any fresh speculation around Petkovic’s next move with a degree of caution.

Strategic crossroads for Algerian football

The current situation leaves Algerian football at a crossroads.

On one side, there is a coach whose standing among fans has been damaged by an early World Cup exit, yet who appears to retain significant appeal on the international stage, particularly among federations that themselves reached the 2026 tournament.

On the other, there is a federation torn between continuity and change: retaining Petkovic but reshaping his staff, or allowing him to leave and pursuing a Spanish successor.

Until the FAF clarifies its position, both the coach’s future and the identity of the three interested federations are likely to remain subjects of speculation – in Algeria, across Africa, and further afield in Asia.