The Desert Foxes Are Back: Algeria’s Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

After a painful absence from the world’s biggest stage, Algeria are back. The Desert Foxes have secured their place at the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico and they’re not just rocking up for the vibes. There’s real belief in this squad that they can make some proper noise. It’s been a long road back, and like most good football stories, it hasn’t exactly been smooth.

Algeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign kicked off in November 2023, and from early doors it was clear this side had a point to prove. Missing out on both 2018 and 2022 still stings, especially for a nation that lit up the 2014 FIFA World Cup and lifted the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Expectations? Sky high. Pressure? Even higher.

Enter Vladimir Petković, who took over in early 2024 after a rough run under Djamel Belmadi. The former Switzerland boss didn’t waste time. Steadying the ship and quietly turning Algeria into one of the more efficient sides in African qualifying.

Drawn in CAF Group G alongside Guinea, Uganda, Mozambique, Botswana and Somalia, Algeria handled business. No drama, no nonsense and at the top of the group with a comfortable margin and qualification wrapped up with games to spare.

One name stood out: Mohamed Amoura. The forward emerged as the main attacking weapon, combining raw pace with a proper eye for goal. Whether running in behind or finishing off moves, he gave Algeria that edge they’ve been missing since their peak years. Qualification was sealed with a convincing win over Somalia. Job done, tickets booked, and a bit of swagger restored.

The heartbeat of this team is still Riyad Mahrez. Now in the latter stages of his career, Mahrez isn’t the same explosive winger who tore up the Premier League with Leicester City and Manchester City, but don’t be fooled, the quality is still there.

He remains Algeria’s creative hub, dictating play, unlocking defences, and stepping up when it matters. If this is his final World Cup, you can bet he’ll want to go out with something special. One last Mahrez masterclass? Don’t rule it out.

At the draw in Washington D.C., Algeria were handed a proper test. Group J features Lionel Messi’s Argentina, along with Austria and Jordan.

It’s one of those groups where there’s nowhere to hide. Argentina are favourites, no debate there. The real scrap is for the spots behind them, and that’s where Algeria’s campaign will be defined. Opening against the defending champions is about as tough as it gets. No easing into the tournament here, straight into the fire.

Let’s not sugar-coat it, this is a tricky group. Argentina are expected to top it, which leaves Algeria battling it out with Austria (and potentially Jordan causing a surprise or two) for progression. The key factor? The expanded format. The 48-team structure at the 2026 FIFA World Cup means more teams sneak through, and finishing third could still be enough. That’s massive.

Tactically, Petković has brought balance. Algeria are structured, disciplined, but still dangerous going forward. With players like Amoura, Mahrez, and Amine Gouiri, they’ve got enough firepower to hurt teams, especially on the break. But there are concerns. Against high-press, high-possession sides, Algeria can get pinned back. And when Mahrez is quiet, the creativity drops. It’s that simple.

This will be Algeria’s fifth World Cup appearance, and memories of 2014 still hit hard in a good way. That run, including pushing eventual champions Germany to extra time, remains one of the country’s greatest football achievements. Matching that would be a big result. Going further? That’s the dream. If Amoura keeps firing, Mahrez delivers one last bit of magic, and Algeria win the key moments, there’s no reason they can’t get out of the group.

The Desert Foxes are back and they’re not here to make up the numbers.