Algeria at the World Cup 2026: Squad, fixtures, group and history

Algeria return to the FIFA World Cup in 2026, aiming to recreate some of the unforgettable moments that have defined their history on football’s biggest stage.

The Desert Foxes remain one of Africa’s most respected football nations and will hope to build on the memories of their historic 2014 campaign as they compete once again among the world’s elite.

Group J Overview

Algeria have been drawn into Group J alongside world champions Argentina, European side Austria and Middle Eastern representatives Jordan.

It is a challenging group for the North Africans, particularly with Argentina viewed as favourites, but Algeria will believe they have enough quality and experience to compete for a place in the knockout rounds.

Group J Teams

Argentina
Algeria
Austria
Jordan

Algeria Fixtures at World Cup 2026

Algeria begin their campaign against defending champions Argentina before facing Jordan and Austria in their remaining group matches.

Fixtures

Argentina vs Algeria – Tuesday, 16 June 2026 – Kansas City Stadium
Jordan vs Algeria – Monday, 22 June 2026 – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
Algeria vs Austria – Saturday, 27 June 2026 – Kansas City Stadium

Algeria World Cup History

Algeria have qualified for the FIFA World Cup five times, appearing at the tournaments in 1982, 1986, 2010, 2014 and 2026.

The Desert Foxes are remembered for producing one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history and for their spirited performances against some of football’s traditional powers.

Spain 1982: The Historic Upset

Algeria announced themselves to the football world during their debut tournament in Spain.

The North Africans stunned reigning European champions West Germany with a famous 2-1 victory in one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history.

Despite winning two matches, Algeria were controversially eliminated after the infamous 1-0 result between West Germany and Austria, a match widely criticised for its lack of competitiveness and later dubbed the “Disgrace of Gijón.”

Mexico 1986: Difficult Return

Algeria qualified for a second consecutive World Cup but struggled in a difficult group.

The Desert Foxes managed only one point and failed to progress to the knockout stages.

South Africa 2010: End of the Long Wait

After a 24-year absence, Algeria returned to the World Cup in South Africa.

Although they produced a respectable draw against England, the team struggled in attack and exited the tournament without scoring a single goal.

Brazil 2014: Best-Ever Campaign

The 2014 World Cup remains Algeria’s greatest tournament performance.

The Desert Foxes reached the Round of 16 for the first time in their history after an impressive group-stage campaign.

They pushed eventual champions Germany to extra time in a thrilling knockout match before eventually losing 2-1 after a courageous display.

North America 2026: Another Opportunity

Algeria qualified once again for the expanded 48-team World Cup and will look to combine their traditional fighting spirit with a new generation of talent.

With matches against Argentina, Jordan and Austria awaiting, the Desert Foxes will aim to reach the knockout rounds for only the second time in their history.

Algeria’s Overall World Cup Record

Across their previous World Cup appearances, Algeria have recorded:

Three wins
Three draws
Seven defeats

The Desert Foxes have played a total of 13 World Cup matches heading into the 2026 tournament.

Algeria squad for World Cup 2026

Goalkeepers: 

Luca Zidane (Granada), Oussama Benbot (Alger), Melvin Mastil (Stade Nyonnais)

Defenders: 

Rafik Belghali (Hellas Verona), Samir Chergui (Paris FC), Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City), Jaouen Hadjam (BSC Young Boys), Aïssa Mandi (Lille), Ramy Bensebaïni (Borussia Dortmund), Zinedine Belaïd (Kabylie), Mohamed Amine Tougaï (Espérance de Tunis), Achraf Abada (USM Alger)

Midfielders: 

Nabil Bentaleb (Lille), Hicham Boudaoui (OGC Nice), Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad), Farès Chaïbi (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), Yacine Titraoui (Royal Charleroi), Ramiz Zerrouki (Twente)

Forwards: 

Mohamed Amine Amoura (VfL Wolfsburg), Nadhir Benbouali (ETO), Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail), Farès Ghedjemis (Frosinone), Amine Gouiri (Olympique Marseilla), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord), Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli)