Algerian Football Federation (FAF) president Walid Sadi is considering extending the contract of national team coach Vladimir Petkovic after the Swiss manager attracted attention from a European side.
Petkovic, who took charge of the “Greens” in March 2024, is currently contracted until the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
His tenure so far has yielded strong results — 10 victories, two draws and only two defeats in 14 matches — prompting Algerian officials to explore the possibility of securing his services beyond the tournament, should qualification be achieved.
Algeria sit atop their World Cup qualifying group with 15 points from six games, placing them in a strong position to book their ticket as early as September.
The team will host Botswana before travelling to Morocco to face Guinea in two decisive fixtures. Their chances could be further boosted if second-placed Mozambique drop points.
Reports indicate that Petkovic’s performances have not gone unnoticed in Europe. In July, Poland expressed interest in appointing the 60-year-old as they sought to revitalise their national team after a faltering start in the European Championship qualifiers.
While the Polish Football Association ultimately appointed Jan Urban, the approach was enough to prompt the FAF to consider measures to safeguard their coach’s future with Algeria.
Under the terms of his current agreement, Petkovic’s two-year contract includes an automatic one-year extension if Algeria qualify for the World Cup. Failure to secure a place at the tournament would see the deal end immediately.
However, qualification would trigger immediate talks over a further extension until 2027, covering the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) cycle.
The FAF’s thinking reflects a desire for continuity during what is expected to be an intense international schedule. Extending Petkovic’s tenure would ensure that the national team retains tactical stability through the World Cup and into the AFCON qualifiers, reducing the risks associated with a managerial change during a congested competitive calendar.
Petkovic’s leadership has been credited with instilling a disciplined, possession-based style while maintaining Algeria’s attacking potency.
His ability to integrate younger players alongside experienced internationals has strengthened the squad’s depth, contributing to their commanding position in qualifying.
FAF officials are said to value both the results and the environment Petkovic has created, with Sadi keen to avoid the uncertainty of last-minute contract negotiations that could leave the team vulnerable to outside offers.
By acting early, Algeria hopes to demonstrate a clear commitment to their coach, signalling stability to players and supporters alike.
With crucial qualifiers looming, Algeria’s immediate focus remains on securing a World Cup berth. However, the discussions over Petkovic’s long-term future underline the federation’s broader ambition: to build a sustained period of success under a manager whose methods and results have quickly earned the trust of the national football leadership.
An official decision on the contract extension is expected to follow swiftly should Algeria confirm qualification in September, potentially keeping Petkovic at the helm through to the 2027 AFCON campaign.
