World Cup 2026: Nabil Bentaleb inspires Algeria to victory over Netherlands with influential midfield display

Nabil Bentaleb marked his return to international football with a commanding performance as Algeria secured a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands, producing a display that highlighted his importance to Vladimir Petkovic’s side ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who enjoyed a strong second half of the season with Lille OSC, was handed a starting role in Rotterdam and responded with an assured performance at the heart of Algeria’s midfield.

His contribution was crowned by the decisive assist for Anis Hadj Moussa’s winning goal, helping the Greens record an impressive result against the Dutch at De Kuip.

For Bentaleb, the match represented far more than just another international appearance.

It was an opportunity to demonstrate that he remains a key figure for Algeria after returning to the national team setup.

By the final whistle, he had provided a compelling reminder of his value both on and off the ball.

The midfielder’s performance was also a significant moment for head coach Vladimir Petkovic, who had quickly restored his faith in the player upon his return to the national side.

Bentaleb had been left out of Algeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but Petkovic’s decision to reintegrate him has increasingly looked justified.

Against the Netherlands, the Lille player repaid that trust with a display built on composure, intelligence and leadership.

His influence became even more apparent during the second half when he wore the captain’s armband, underlining the responsibility he carried throughout the contest.

In the absence of Ismaël Bennacer, Algeria required a figure capable of directing the midfield and ensuring stability against high-level opposition.

Bentaleb accepted that responsibility from the opening minutes.

Throughout the match, he regularly made himself available to defenders during the build-up phase, helping Algeria progress possession from deep areas.

His movement allowed centre-backs and full-backs to find passing options when under pressure from the Dutch press.

There were moments when he lost possession, finishing the game with seven turnovers.

However, those incidents reflected his willingness to remain involved in difficult situations and continue offering solutions when spaces became increasingly restricted.

More importantly, his overall use of the ball remained one of the defining features of his performance.

Bentaleb completed the match with an impressive passing accuracy rate of 92%, a statistic that reflected both his technical quality and his ability to maintain Algeria’s rhythm in possession.

His passing repeatedly helped the visitors relieve pressure and launch attacks from midfield.

While his contribution with the ball was significant, his defensive work was equally important.

The midfielder recorded four interceptions and three recoveries, helping Algeria regain possession at key moments.

He also won four of his six duels, illustrating his effectiveness in physical contests against Dutch opponents.

That combination of defensive discipline and passing precision gave Algeria balance in midfield and allowed the team to remain competitive throughout the encounter.

The decisive moment of the match arrived when Bentaleb produced the pass that unlocked the Dutch defence.

Spotting an opportunity to exploit space behind the Netherlands back line, he delivered a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Anis Hadj Moussa.

The pass forced the Dutch defenders to retreat and disrupted their defensive shape.

Hadj Moussa still had plenty to do, but the winger produced a finish of the highest quality.

After receiving Bentaleb’s pass, he unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Roefs with no chance and securing what proved to be the only goal of the game.

The assist was Bentaleb’s third for Algeria and added another memorable moment to his international career.

It also came during his 58th appearance for the national team, a milestone marked by one of his most influential performances in recent years.

Beyond the statistics, the match offered a clear indication of Bentaleb’s current standing within the squad.

Questions surrounding his role following his absence from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have gradually faded, and his display in Rotterdam strengthened the argument that he remains one of Algeria’s most important midfielders.

With the 2026 World Cup approaching, competition for places is expected to intensify. Yet performances of this quality are likely to strengthen Bentaleb’s position within Petkovic’s plans.

His ability to control possession, contribute defensively and create decisive moments in attack makes him a valuable asset for the national team.

Against the Netherlands, he delivered all three.

The result provided Algeria with an impressive victory, but it also served as a reminder of Bentaleb’s enduring influence.

On a night when the Greens produced a disciplined and effective display, the midfielder emerged as one of the key figures, leading by example and providing the decisive contribution that separated the two sides.