Why Algeria are weighing every option before naming Petkovic successor

Algeria’s Football Federation (FAF) has yet to appoint a replacement for Vladimir Petkovic, despite a growing list of reported candidates and the approach of the next international window.

The search was expected to begin a new chapter for the national team after Petkovic’s departure. Instead, it has developed into an uncertain process, with Felix Sanchez, Paulo Bento, Walter Mazzarri, Gustavo Poyet and several Algerian candidates all linked with the role at different stages.

As of 19 August 2026, the FAF has not formally announced its choice. The lack of a decision does not necessarily mean the recruitment process has stalled, but it does underline the difficulty of finding a coach who meets the federation’s sporting ambitions, financial limits and plans for the next few years.

Petkovic left at the beginning of August after Algeria were eliminated by the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. With the next international window approaching, the FAF must avoid allowing the Fennecs to remain without a clear technical direction for too long.

However, the federation also faces a dilemma: it needs to move quickly, but not so quickly that it appoints a coach it may regret choosing a few months later.

Changing contenders

Felix Sanchez appeared to emerge as the leading candidate, with an agreement reportedly close. The Spanish coach’s position then became less certain after reports raised concerns about his handling of players and his communication style.

Those reports have not been officially confirmed by the FAF.

Paulo Bento subsequently became a prominent name in the discussions. Several media outlets reported that the Portuguese coach had agreed terms with the federation. But reports published on 19 August suggested that option had now been abandoned.

The FAF is instead understood to have reopened talks with two other coaches who are currently under contract with their clubs.

The repeated changes in direction appear to show that the federation is unwilling to settle for the first available candidate. Rather than a lack of interest from coaches, the situation suggests the FAF is comparing several possibilities before making a final decision.

The successful candidate is expected to have significant experience of managing an ambitious national team, as well as the ability to work with a squad made up largely of players based abroad. At the same time, the next coach will need to understand the realities of African football and cope with the intense pressure surrounding the Fennecs.

That combination makes the appointment particularly complicated. A high-profile European coach could offer international experience, but there would be no guarantee of a smooth adaptation to the Algerian football environment. A coach with a stronger understanding of the local context might offer fewer assurances at international level.

Reports add to uncertainty

The process has also been clouded by a steady flow of unconfirmed information.

Gustavo Poyet was reported by Algerie360 to be in negotiations with the FAF. La Gazette du Fennec, however, said that possibility was not a serious one and instead referred to activity by agents.

The uncertainty has also affected the Felix Sanchez story. On 13 August, Le Courrier d’Algerie reported that the Spaniard remained under consideration despite contacts with other federations. Only a few days later, several outlets said the FAF had dropped the idea of appointing him.

The central issue for the federation is therefore whether it wants a major name or, more importantly, the right coach for Algeria.

Following Petkovic’s departure, the FAF must avoid another unsuitable appointment. The new manager will be expected to establish a clear project quickly, manage the senior players and begin preparing a fresh cycle with the Fennecs.