Twelve years after its last participation in a World Cup, Algeria is back. Absent from the last two editions, the selection now led by Vladimir Petkovic is back in 2026. A few days before its entry into contention against Argentina, the team which has just beaten the Netherlands in a friendly (0-1) is surrounded by a lot of expectations.
As part of a podcast for the L’Équipe website, Nabil Djellit spoke about this Algerian selection. Referring to the victory validated on Wednesday against the Dutch, the journalist first questioned himself. “The question arises: which Algerian team (will we see)
? On Wednesday, she had two faces. In the first period, we saw a team in difficulty, pushed around in midfield, not complementary (…) And in the second, (Vladimir Petkovic)
brought in those who represent, I hope, the Algerian team of today and probably that of tomorrow, with young people who have an impressive running volume, technique, desire (…). »
After listing the players who brought a renewed form against the Netherlands, the observer continued by mentioning the objective to be achieved according to him by the Fennecs during the World Cup.
“First objective, qualification for the round of 32. With such a parallel issue, it is the extension or not of Vladimir Petkovic. »
World Cup, the “Grail for the Algerians”
As for the Algerian followers, Nabil Djellit confirmed that their hopes were high. “There is a strong expectation from the supporters, an excitement, a fervor. Algeria still has a charmed history with the World Cup, even if it hasn’t done that much. (…) For Algerians, the World Cup is the Holy Grail. »
The Fennecs have a tough first round to play since after an entry into the competition against Argentina, defending champion (June 17, 3 a.m.), they will continue with Jordan (June 23, 5 a.m.) and Austria (June 28, 4 a.m.).
