Rabah Madjer backs Algeria for strong 2026 World Cup run

Algerian football legend Rabah Madjer has backed the national team to aim high at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the Fennecs can make a strong impact on football’s biggest stage in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking to ALG24, the former Algeria striker reflected on the country’s World Cup ambitions while offering his support to Vladimir Petkovic’s squad ahead of the tournament.

Madjer, who represented Algeria in two World Cups during his playing career, insisted that merely participating should never be the limit of the team’s objectives.

“We are used to the World Cup. I wish them much success and a long run in this tournament,” said Madjer.

The former FC Porto forward also stressed the level of responsibility that comes with representing Algeria at the competition, while maintaining belief in the team’s ability to compete against the world’s best nations.

“All the teams present at the World Cup have great ambitions. God willing, Algeria will also have great ambitions. The responsibility is very great, but it will not be impossible.”

His comments reflect the growing optimism surrounding Algeria’s return to the global stage, with supporters hoping the national team can recreate some of the memorable moments from its World Cup history.

Madjer also took the opportunity to revisit Algeria’s historic 1982 World Cup campaign in Spain, a tournament still remembered as one of the defining moments in the country’s football history.

Algeria stunned West Germany 2-1 in Gijón during their first-ever appearance at the competition, producing one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

“It was a huge joy for Algerian supporters. Especially that victory against Germany. At the time, they were the best team in the tournament,” the former international recalled.

Madjer highlighted the significance of that achievement by noting that West Germany did not lose another match before reaching the final against Italy, reinforcing the scale of Algeria’s accomplishment.

The former Algeria coach also spoke emotionally about scoring the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal during that historic tournament.

Recalling the move, he described the moment that remains deeply embedded in Algerian football history.

“Belloumi lifted the ball over goalkeeper Schumacher, the ball changed direction and I then lobbed the defenders before scoring.”

“It was a very beautiful goal. And above all, Algeria’s first goal in the World Cup.”

Madjer concluded his remarks with a simple message of national pride:

“Long live Algeria.”

🏆🇩🇿 Madjer rêve d’un grand Mondial pour l’Algérie ! pic.twitter.com/ZOV9g3NqJW

— La Gazette du Fennec (@LGDFennec) May 8, 2026