Algeria will host Rwanda in an international friendly on 5 June at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine, as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The fixture, confirmed during the “C’est vous l’Expert” programme on La Gazette du Fennec, will give coach Vladimir Petković another chance to evaluate his squad ahead of a crucial period in Algerian football.
This encounter comes just five days before Algeria is scheduled to meet Sweden in Stockholm on 10 June.
The meeting with Rwanda, also known as the Amavubi, is set to provide the Fennecs with a valuable test against a team that has shown steady improvement in recent years.
While Rwanda does not yet rank among Africa’s top footballing nations, their performances in recent African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying campaigns have attracted growing attention.
Led by Algerian-born coach Adel Amrouche, Rwanda presents a familiar yet challenging opponent for Petković’s side.
The match will allow Algeria to experiment with tactical variations and offer minutes to emerging talents looking to break into the regular squad.
Historically, the head-to-head record is one-sided in Algeria’s favour.
The last significant meeting between the two nations was a 2018 friendly played in Tunis, where Algeria secured a convincing 4-1 victory.
While the historical precedent favours the Fennecs, Petković is expected to use the match as an opportunity to rotate his lineup and evaluate player performances in a competitive context.
“This kind of match is essential in preparing for bigger challenges,” a source close to the coaching staff told La Gazette du Fennec.
“The coach wants to see how different profiles respond under pressure and how they can contribute to the team’s objectives moving forward.”
The friendly against Rwanda serves as the opening act of a demanding international window for Algeria.
The subsequent fixture against Sweden will offer a contrasting test, with the European side known for its tactical discipline and structured play.
Petković’s dual focus in these matches will be on solidifying team chemistry and sharpening tactics ahead of the resumption of competitive action.
Algeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup resumes in September, followed by participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
These upcoming friendlies are seen as vital preparation, allowing the national team to fine-tune strategies and assess squad depth under match conditions.
