FIFA president Gianni Infantino set for key trip to Algeria

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is expected in Algeria on Thursday for an official visit that will include high-level meetings and the inauguration of a major football development facility.

The head of world football’s governing body is due to arrive in Algiers on 9 April 2026, where he will be received by Algerian Football Federation (FAF) president Walid Sadi. The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between FIFA and Algeria.

According to information obtained by AfricaFootUnited, Infantino’s schedule includes a meeting with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The discussion is expected to focus on cooperation between FIFA and the country, particularly in relation to infrastructure development and support for key projects linked to football growth.

The planned meeting reflects a broader framework of collaboration between national authorities and international football bodies. Engagements at this level are often aimed at reinforcing partnerships and ensuring alignment on development initiatives within the sport.

Following his engagements in the capital, Infantino is set to travel to the city of Tlemcen, accompanied by Walid Sadi, who also serves as Algeria’s Minister of Sports. The visit will continue with the official inauguration of the Lalla Setti Regional Technical Centre.

The centre has been largely financed through FIFA’s “Forward” programme and is designed to support the development of football at grassroots and elite levels. The facility is intended to serve as a hub for training and talent identification, providing resources aimed at nurturing young players.

The project had faced delays over several years before being revived and completed. Its completion has been attributed to the leadership of Walid Sadi, who prioritised the development upon assuming his role at the head of the Algerian Football Federation.

Now meeting international standards, the Lalla Setti Regional Technical Centre is expected to play a significant role in Algeria’s football development strategy. By providing structured training environments and facilities, it aims to contribute to the long-term growth of the sport within the country.

Infantino’s visit highlights the importance placed on infrastructure and youth development within FIFA’s global agenda. Programmes such as “Forward” have been central to funding projects designed to expand access to football resources and improve facilities in member associations.

The presence of both FIFA leadership and national officials at the inauguration underscores the significance of the project. It also reflects a shared objective to strengthen football structures and create pathways for emerging talent.

As the visit concludes, attention will remain on the outcomes of the discussions held in Algiers and the potential impact of the newly inaugurated centre. For Algeria, the engagement represents both a diplomatic and sporting milestone, reinforcing its collaboration with FIFA while advancing its domestic football ambitions.