Fennecs begin Algeria’s U-17 World Cup comeback against Chile

After a 17-year absence from the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Algeria will return to the tournament determined to make an impact, with a place in the knockout stage their stated ambition.

The Fennecs U17 have been drawn in Group J alongside United States, Montenegro and Chile, a section that appears evenly matched and offers Algeria a realistic opportunity to progress. Their campaign will begin against Chile, before further group-stage meetings with Montenegro and United States.

The opening fixture is expected to provide an early indication of Algeria’s prospects. A positive result would give the team a strong platform before what could be a decisive second match against Montenegro. Their first-round programme will conclude against United States, completing a group in which every fixture could carry significant importance.

Algeria’s return represents a significant moment for the youth side. Their only previous appearance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals came in 2009, when the tournament was held in Nigeria. On that occasion, the Fennecs were eliminated in the first round.

This time, Algeria are aiming to go beyond that achievement and reach the next stage. Their confidence is based largely on the collective strength and fighting spirit they displayed during the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Those qualities will be particularly important in a group where Algeria face opponents regarded as being within their reach, but where there is little room for complacency. The team’s opening performance against Chile is likely to shape the momentum of the campaign and offer the first clear indication of whether they can fulfil their ambitions.

The Fennecs will then face Montenegro in the second round of matches, before ending the first phase against United States. The schedule gives Algeria the chance to build steadily through the group, but it also places importance on their ability to start well after such a long wait to return to the world stage.

Algeria’s first-round schedule at the FIFA U-17 World Cup is:

– 21 November, 13:30: Chile v Algeria – 24 November, 13:30: Algeria v Montenegro – 27 November, 15:00: Algeria v United States