A dangerous Algerian attack led by captain Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura and Amine Gouiri headlines Les Verts' squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying duels with Botswana and Mozambique.
Bosnian Vladimir Petković has plenty of skill and talent to draw upon in the Algeria team, who currently lead Group G but must be wary of two difficult fixtures. The two-time Africa Cup of Nations champions are level with Mozambique at the top of the group with nine points, three points ahead of a three-team group that includes Botswana, Guinea and Uganda.
2026 World Cup Qualifying: Group G table (4 matches played)
Points | |
Algeria | 9 |
Mozambique | 9 |
Botswana | 6 |
Guinea | 6 |
Uganda | 6 |
Somalia | 0 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine group runners-up qualify for a playoff to determine Africa's representative at the intercontinental qualifying playoff.
Algeria travel to Botswana for a dangerous match against the Zebras on March 21 before returning back home for a duel against co-leaders Mozambique four days later.
Along with the dangerous attackers like Gouiri, winner of Player of the Month for February in France's Ligue 1, the squad is well balanced. Experienced campaigners Aissa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini provide leadership to the Algerian defense while supporters will welcome the return of Ismaël Bennacer is a welcome sight to add bite and positional stability in the defensive midfield position following a long-term leg injury.
Anis Hadj Moussa, Adem Zorgane and Farès Chaïbi add to the technical quality in the Algerian midfield and Espérance ST's Youcef Belaïli contributes unpredictability and goal scoring ability to the attack.
There appear to be no particular weaknesses in the squad with all players capable of adding to the attack including fullbacks Rayan Aït-Nouri of Premier League side Wolves and right back Youcef Atal of Qatari giants Al Sadd.
The only position where Algeria does not particularly impress is in the goalkeeping department. Former CR Belouizdad shot stopper Alexis Guendouz, now based at top Iranian club Persepolis, appears set to be between the sticks with French Ligue 2 veteran keepers Alexandre Oukidja and Anthony Mandrea ready to step in if needed.
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