World Cup 2026: Algeria complete preparations with convincing victory over Bolivia

Algeria signed off from their preparations for the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 4-0 victory over Bolivia, extending their impressive defensive run and reinforcing confidence ahead of the tournament.

Just hours before the World Cup gets underway in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the Desert Foxes delivered another assured performance in a behind-closed-doors friendly played on Wednesday night at the University of Kansas.

The result capped a productive preparation period for Vladimir Petkovic’s side, who finished their final two warm-up matches with two victories, five goals scored and none conceded.

For the final test before the tournament, Petkovic handed a starting role to goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.

Samir Chergui featured in central defence, while Ibrahim Maza and Hicham Boudaoui operated in midfield. In attack, Nadhir Benbouali joined Mohamed Amoura and captain Riyad Mahrez in the starting line-up.

Algeria controlled possession for much of the first half and dictated the tempo of the match.

Despite their superiority, however, they were unable to find a breakthrough for long periods as Bolivia resisted the pressure.

The deadlock finally ended moments before the interval.

After sustained attacking pressure, Mohamed Amoura delivered a cross from the right flank, and Aïssa Mandi rose to meet it.

The experienced defender guided a header towards the far post to give Algeria a deserved lead in the 45th minute.

The goal ensured the Desert Foxes entered the break ahead after a first half in which they had largely controlled proceedings.

At half-time, Petkovic opted for a complete overhaul of his side.

Adil Boulbina, Zineddine Belaïd, Mohamed Tougaï, Jaouen Hadjam, Rafik Belghali, Anis Hadj Moussa, Farès Chaïbi, Amine Gouiri, Ramiz Zerrouki, Houssem Aouar and Melvin Mastil were all introduced as Algeria sought to give opportunities to a wider group of players before the start of the World Cup.

The changes immediately injected fresh energy into the team, and Bolivia struggled to contain the wave of attacks that followed.

The match was effectively decided in a remarkable five-minute spell during the second half.

Amine Gouiri doubled Algeria’s advantage in the 56th minute after a well-worked move.

The attack began with a one-two involving Ramiz Zerrouki before Adil Boulbina was released down the left side.

The winger delivered the ball back into the area, where Gouiri arrived to finish and make it 2-0.

Just two minutes later, the Marseille forward struck again.

This time, Gouiri reacted quickest after a rebound created by Boulbina, who had been heavily involved in Algeria’s attacking play.

The forward was perfectly positioned to convert the opportunity and score his second goal of the evening, extending Algeria’s lead to three.

Bolivia had little time to recover before Algeria struck once more.

In the 61st minute, the Desert Foxes launched a rapid counter-attack. Zerrouki played a key role in the move before releasing Anis Hadj Moussa on the right flank.

Exploiting space behind the Bolivian defence, the Feyenoord winger raced forward and applied a composed finish to score Algeria’s fourth goal.

The strike continued Hadj Moussa’s strong form after he had already found the net in the previous victory against the Netherlands.

Algeria comfortably managed the remainder of the contest and ensured the scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle.

Beyond the goals, the performance offered another encouraging sign in defence.

The clean sheet was Algeria’s fourth in a row, highlighting the organisation and discipline that have become increasingly evident in recent matches.

The Desert Foxes have now gone four consecutive games without conceding a goal.

Their defensive solidity had already been demonstrated in a goalless draw against Uruguay and a victory over the Netherlands.

Earlier in the year, Guatemala were defeated 7-0 without finding a way through Algeria’s back line.

That sequence means Algeria head into the World Cup having combined attacking efficiency with defensive resilience.

The timing of the performance could hardly be better.

With their opening Group J fixture against Argentina scheduled for the night of 16-17 June, Algeria arrive at the tournament with momentum, confidence and a growing belief in their ability to compete.

A comfortable victory over Bolivia, a series of clean sheets and a squad that appears ready for the challenge provide reasons for optimism as the Desert Foxes prepare to begin their World Cup campaign.