Algeria national team forward Amine Gouiri does not fear any team in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying and dreams of participating in the finals as a player.
The Olympique de Marseille winger took part in and scored in his country's 3-1 victory over Botswana in the fifth round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Gouiri spoke to FIFA’s official website, which reported the following statements about the World Cup qualifiers, his memories of the World Cup, famous Algerian-French striker Karim Benzema and more.
Speaking about the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Gouiri said:
”We’re not afraid of anyone; we know what we’re capable of. I think we are favourites for the group, but that’s exactly where the danger lies because there are no easy matches. We will give everything and do everything we can to go to the World Cup because we have missed two in a row since we last qualified.”
The Algerian forward dreams of participating in the World Cup. He recalled memories from previous editions:
“To be honest, playing in a World Cup is a childhood dream. There are no words; it’s the ultimate dream. I experienced the 2010 and 2014 tournaments as a supporter, I watched the matches on TV.”
“Every World Cup leaves good memories. The 2014 World Cup and the knockout game between Algeria and Germany, and the most recent one in Qatar—when you look at Morocco’s journey and the final between France and Argentina—it’s an inspiring competition. So, to be involved, to be able to help Algeria qualify for the World Cup, and then to be able to play in it would be something exceptional. I hope that my dream becomes a reality.”
Amine Gouiri also praised Karim Benzema, the French striker of Algerian origin, saying:
“Karim likes to be involved in the play, to create and score goals. He has everything you want from a modern striker. Even if stats are super important for a centre-forward these days, I like to be involved in the play. If you can combine the two, that’s perfect.”
Gouiri has Ismaël Bennacer as a teammate for both Algeria and French Ligue 1 club Marseille. Speaking about him, he said:
“Isma is a bit like a big brother to me. I get on really well with him on and off the pitch. He helps me a lot and has lots of experience. He spent five years at AC Milan, so he knows what it takes to play at the top level.”
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