New era for Algerian football as FIFA President inaugurates Tlemcen Technical Centre

Algeria football witnessed a new chapter with the inauguration of the Tlemcen Regional Technical Centre on Thursday, April 9, 2026, by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The state-of-the-art facility was funded by world soccer governing body, FIFA, via the Forward Programme with a total investment of USD 4,750,000 covering three cycles of the initiative.

Launched in 2016, the FIFA Forward programme aims to provide comprehensive funding and support of football development projects, with each Member Association guaranteed at least USD 8 million per the new cycle.

With its imposing infrastructure, the technical centre situated over 400-kilometres from the capital, Algiers, boast of training pitches (hybrid grass, natural grass and artificial turf pitches), a multi-sports hall, as well as a medical centre.

Built to international standards, it also has an administrative building, fitness facilities, and high-quality accommodation for teams.

The inauguration was the highlight of the FIFA President’s one-day working visit to the North African country.

Accompanied by FIFA’s Chief Global Development, Arsene Wenger, FIFA Deputy Chief of Member Associations – Africa, Gelson Fernandes amongst others, Infantino paid a courtesy call on Algeria President Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the presidential palace upon arrival.

The pair discussed football development issues with the FIFA President emphasizing on the support by the Head of State towards the promotion of football and sports in general in Algeria.

Whilst in Tlemcen, the FIFA President also inaugurated a new FIFA Arena pitch at CEM Ahmed Inal in line with FIFA’s goal to build about 1000 mini-pitches across the world.

The mini-pitch is the third for Algeria, the first African country to benefit from the FIFA Arena initiative. The other two pitches launched in May 2025, in the capital, Algiers, are located at Collège Malek Haddad and the Ibn Joubair School.

In wrapping up, ably supported by Algeria Football Federation (FAF) president Walid Sadi, the FIFA President launched a FIFA Football for School (F4S) project at the new inaugurated Tlemcen Regional Technical centre.

The F4S is an ambitious programme developed by FIFA, in collaboration with UNESCO, which aims to contribute to the education, development, and empowerment of children worldwide.

It seeks to make football more accessible to both boys and girls around the world by incorporating football activities into the education system, in partnership with relevant authorities and stakeholders.

The Football for Schools programme in Algeria is built on a formal partnership between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Sports (through the Fédération Algérienne du Sport Scolaire), and the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).

A joint committee made up of FAF leadership, technical experts, and school sport representatives oversees its coordinated implementation. This initiative will reach about 1,185 schools nationwide, using football to support education, youth development, and engagement.

About 30 teachers from across Algeria took part in the training together 80 children.