All eyes are on Washington for this famous December 5. As the pressure mounts before the draw for the 2026 World Cup, Algeria finds itself fixed on its fate: it will be hat 3. If this position may seem modest for a former eighth-finalist, it paradoxically offers a considerable advantage to Vladimir Petkovic’s men. By appearing in this pot, the Greens mathematically ensure to avoid a European nation in full swing, a long-toothed outsider that no one wants to meet in the group stage as its strike force has impressed for a year.
The Scandinavian nightmare avoided for Algeria
This team that should definitely not be drawn is Norway. Riyad Mahrez and his teammates can breathe easy: they won’t have to deal with Erling Haaland from the outset. The Scandinavians made an impression during qualifying by atomically destroying Italy twice, inflicting a three-goal margin on both the first leg and the return leg at the Squadra Azzurra. A terrifying firepower that Algeria is happy to dodge, especially since the history against the Nordic nations is painful, as evidenced by the two setbacks suffered against Sweden in the past. Knowing that Norway, even stronger than its Swedish neighbor, is out of reach for the first round is a real tactical relief.
This hat 3 member status also allows you to avoid other pitfalls. We think of Scotland, very attractive against Denmark recently, or even Paraguay. If reunions with Egypt, Ivory Coast or Tunisia are impossible due to continental protection, avoiding these “scratchy” Third World nations like Uzbekistan allows Algerians to project themselves more serenely. Especially since confidence is returning on the Algerian side. The November rally was reassuring with a clear domination against Zimbabwe (3-1) and especially this convincing success (2-0) against Saudi Arabia, a globalist surprised on its land.
Algeria dodges Haaland’s Norway: the detail that changes everything for the draw
A group of death remains possible
But be careful not to declare victory too quickly. If the Norwegian scarecrow is removed, the rest of the plateau remains very tough. By drawing from hats 1 and 2, Algeria could inherit a disaster scenario. Imagine a group made up of Messi’s Argentina, the ever-regular Croatia, and the Fennecs in the middle. Worse still, hat 4 contains the UEFA play-offs. If Italy manages to escape the play-offs, they could land in this group and form an absolute death pool.
Algeria will therefore go to the United States with newfound certainty, but aware of the danger. Avoiding Haaland is one thing, taking out the chickens will be another. On December 5, we will know if luck continues to smile on the Greens or if destiny has in store for them a tough reunion with the world’s elite.
