Algeria have reportedly turned down an approach from the United States to play a friendly match, with the national federation and coaching staff prioritising sporting value over financial incentive as preparations for the 2026 World Cup gather pace.
According to reports, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) received a proposal from the United States Soccer Federation to stage a friendly involving the two national teams as part of their respective build-up to the expanded World Cup.
The offer was said to include several attractive conditions, notably a financial bonus for the FAF in return for hosting the fixture.
Despite those incentives, the proposal is understood to have failed to convince decision-makers in Algiers.
Neither the federation nor Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic are believed to have viewed the match as a suitable step in the team’s long-term preparation plan.
The coaching staff are said to be focused on securing opponents who can provide a demanding sporting test and help expose the squad to a level of competition closer to what they expect to face at the World Cup.
From that perspective, the American proposal was not considered to offer sufficient technical or tactical benefit, leading to its rejection.
Sources close to the federation indicate that the decision was taken jointly by the FAF and Petkovic, reflecting a shared desire to shape a preparation programme centred on performance rather than commercial considerations.
The emphasis remains on using international windows to refine the team’s structure, test players under pressure and build consistency against high-calibre opposition.
The Algerian federation is now understood to be reviewing several alternative proposals, working closely with the national team coach to finalise a schedule of friendly matches in the coming months.
Discussions are ongoing as the FAF seeks to balance logistical feasibility with the sporting demands set by the technical staff.
It is considered highly likely that Algeria will face Uruguay in March, a fixture seen as more closely aligned with the level of challenge the coaching staff are seeking.
Alongside that match, another opponent is being explored, with Costa Rica or Iran among the options under consideration.
Further preparation games are expected to be confirmed for June, once the March window has been finalised.
For Algeria, the approach reflects a clear strategy: prioritising competitive readiness and technical growth as they look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, even if that means declining offers that carry financial appeal but limited sporting return.
