Amin Chiakha opens up on choosing Algeria over Denmark

Algerian forward Amin Chiakha has declared his determination to represent Algeria at the FIFA World Cup, insisting that even if he misses the 2026 tournament, he is confident of helping the Desert Foxes qualify for the next edition.

The 20-year-old striker, who belongs to FC Copenhagen and spent the season on loan at Vejle before moving to Rosenborg, shared his ambitions and personal journey during an interview with La Gazette du Fennec.

Chiakha spoke passionately about his strong emotional attachment to Algeria and explained why choosing the North African nation over Denmark was never a difficult decision for him despite progressing through the Danish youth national teams.

“First and foremost, it’s family. My family there is in my heart; I call them all the time, I talk to them, that’s it. And then there’s the culture.

I simply love Algerian culture; I love the differences compared to Europe. It’s not that I don’t like Denmark or Europe—I appreciate them—but in my mind, when it came time to choose, I had a very strong connection with Algeria compared to Denmark, and that’s why I chose Algeria.”

The towering striker also revealed that Denmark attempted to prevent his nationality switch after he established himself as a key figure in their youth setup.

“They created a lot of problems for me to prevent me from changing my nationality to Algeria. They were slow to send my paperwork to FIFA.

But well, that’s normal in football. I had an important role in Denmark’s youth teams; I played every match wearing the number 9. So they weren’t happy with my decision at all. They tried everything to change my mind, but in my mind, it was a done deal.”

Chiakha, known for his physical presence and technical ability, highlighted former France international Karim Benzema and Swedish icon Zlatan Ibrahimović as the players who influenced his style. He also praised Algerian striker Baghdad Bounedjah for his relentless work ethic.

“I watched Benzema and Ibrahimović a lot. I’m not saying I’m 100% like them, I’m not exactly the same type of player, but my profile is somewhat similar: a tall, technical striker who loves to score and is technically gifted.”

“But when I watched the national team, for example Baghdad Bounedjah, even when he wasn’t scoring much, like during the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, he pressed at a very high level. And I like to press, I like to harass defenders. These are examples I watch a lot.”

Despite his personal ambitions, Chiakha stressed that collective success with Algeria remains his main objective.

“God willing, going to the World Cup. It’s everyone’s dream, it’s something huge. If I don’t go this time, God willing, I’ll qualify with them for the next one. I have a lot of ambition. Like all Algerians, I want to win every match, I want to win another star for Algeria.”

“Personally, every time I step onto the pitch, I want to score. I want to become the top scorer for my club and the national team. I want to be the one who scores the most. I know my strengths.

God willing, I’ll achieve it. But the collective ambition comes first: winning another title is more important than my personal goals.”

Chiakha recently scored twice for Norwegian side Rosenborg and said he remains focused on improving his game rather than thinking too far ahead about his future.

“God willing, I work every day to improve and enrich my game, that’s all I have in mind right now. And God willing, I will succeed. Right now, I don’t like to think too much ahead; I’m working on what I can control, the rest is in God’s hands.”

The Algerian international also acknowledged the competition for places under Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic while expressing respect for the manager’s decisions.

“Being at the World Cup? God willing. I was there for the last training camp in March, it gives you hope, and I scored just before the coach made his call-ups.

In any case, we have a strong team and Petkovic will make his choices. If he chooses me, thank God, if he doesn’t, thank God. He’s the one who decides and I have enormous respect for him.”