2026 World Cup: Algeria launches preparations with first training camp in Sidi Moussa

Algeria has officially begun its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Vladimir Petkovic overseeing the national team’s first training sessions at the Sidi Moussa National Technical Center as players gradually arrive for the pre-tournament camp.

The Greens opened their gathering in a focused atmosphere as preparations intensified ahead of football’s biggest competition.

Several members of the squad reported to the national training centre on Monday, marking the first major step in Algeria’s build-up to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The Algerian Football Federation confirmed the start of the camp through a message published on its official X account alongside photographs from the opening session.

“First training session for the Greens during their preparatory camp at the Sidi Moussa center in preparation for the World Cup,” the federation wrote.

The session represented the official beginning of Algeria’s preparations under Petkovic as the coaching staff begins assessing the condition of players before the final stages of tournament planning.

With expectations growing around the national side, the early days of the camp are expected to focus on physical work, tactical organisation and rebuilding collective rhythm after the conclusion of the club season for many of the players involved.

The Algerian squad will enter the 2026 World Cup with a difficult task ahead after being drawn into a challenging group featuring Argentina, Austria and Jordan.

The presence of the defending world champions Argentina has already added additional attention to Algeria’s preparations, with supporters hoping the Fennecs can produce a strong campaign on the global stage.

As preparations continue in Sidi Moussa, Petkovic is gradually welcoming members of the squad arriving from clubs across Europe and other international leagues.

Several experienced internationals were among the first players to join the training camp.

Amine Gouiri, Ramy Bensebaini, Nabil Bentaleb, Fares Chaibi and Aissa Mandi all reported for duty as Algeria began work ahead of the tournament.

Goalkeeper Luca Zidane was also part of the first group to arrive at the national centre, alongside younger players Ibrahim Maza, Anis Hadj Moussa and Jaouen Hadjam.

The early arrival of both senior figures and younger talents highlights the balance Algeria hopes to build ahead of the competition.

Experienced internationals are expected to guide the squad during a demanding World Cup campaign, while emerging players continue to compete for important roles within the national team setup.

For Petkovic, the training camp offers an opportunity to strengthen team chemistry before the final tournament squad is confirmed.

The Algerian coach is expected to use the preparation period to evaluate fitness levels and tactical flexibility as he shapes his plans for the competition.

The atmosphere around Sidi Moussa has already reflected the significance of the occasion.

Algeria is returning to the World Cup stage with renewed ambition, and the opening days of camp have attracted considerable attention from supporters eager to follow the team’s progress.

Much of the focus will naturally remain on senior players such as Riyad Mahrez, who continues to be one of the most recognisable faces of the national team.

The captain is once again expected to play a central role as Algeria attempts to compete strongly against some of the world’s leading nations.

At the same time, the inclusion of younger players indicates the federation’s desire to gradually renew the squad while maintaining competitiveness at the highest level.

Players such as Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa are among the names being closely watched as Algeria prepares for the future.

The Sidi Moussa National Technical Center has long served as the heart of Algerian football preparation, and the latest gathering once again places the facility at the centre of the national team’s ambitions.

Training sessions over the coming days are expected to increase in intensity as more players join the camp.

The technical staff will continue working on tactical systems and physical preparation before the team enters the decisive final phase ahead of the World Cup.

For Algeria, the opening session was more than a routine gathering.

It marked the beginning of another attempt to leave a mark on the global stage and restore the national team’s place among Africa’s strongest representatives at the World Cup.

With Petkovic now leading preparations and the squad gradually taking shape, the Greens have officially begun their journey towards 2026.