The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has confirmed ongoing discussions with the Spanish Football Federation over the organization of a high-profile friendly match between Algeria and Spain, the current European champions.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the FAF revealed that its president, Walid Sadi, met with his Spanish counterpart, Rafael Louzán Abal, on the sidelines of the 75th FIFA Congress in Asunción, Paraguay.
The talks reportedly touched on a range of potential collaborations between the two federations, including youth development and futsal, as well as the headline-grabbing prospect of a senior international fixture between the two nations.
“On the sidelines of the 75th FIFA Congress, which is being held in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, the President of the Algerian Football Federation, Mr. Walid Sadi, met with his Spanish counterpart, Mr. Rafael Louzán Abal,” read the FAF’s statement.
This meeting was an opportunity to discuss the foundations of a partnership between the two federations, particularly in the area of youth competitions, both men’s and women’s, as well as in the development of futsal.
The two officials also discussed the possibility of organizing a friendly match between the Algerian and Spanish senior national teams in 2026.
The potential fixture, if finalized, would mark just the second meeting between the two sides.
Their only previous encounter dates back to the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, where Spain defeated Algeria 3-0 in the group stage, with goals from Ramón Calderé and Eloy.
لقاء بين رئيس الفاف، السيد وليد صادي، ونظيره الإسباني رافاييل لوزان أبال على هامش كونغرس الفيفا بـأسونسيون، تم خلاله بحث سبل التعاون بين الاتحادين و إمكانية تنظيم مباراة ودية محتملة بين الجزائر وإسبانيا في غضون سنة 2026 pic.twitter.com/n1ssuX3kXV
— Fédération Algérienne de Football (@FAFAlgeria) May 15, 2025
News of the proposed match has sparked excitement across Algerian football circles and social media, especially given the possibility of a showdown between two football generations—Algeria’s talisman Riyad Mahrez and Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal.
The matchup is already being dubbed by fans as a symbolic clash between experience and youth.
For Algeria, such a friendly would serve as a rare opportunity to test themselves against elite European opposition as they prepare for future international tournaments.
Meanwhile, Spain could use the match to continue expanding their global football outreach while evaluating talent in a competitive environment.
Although no specific date has been confirmed, the idea of a 2026 fixture has been welcomed enthusiastically, with both federations expected to continue negotiations in the coming months.
