WC Countdown: Desert Foxes are back and dreaming bigger than ever
Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 09.06.26. | 11:40
Led by ex-Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez, Algeria could make a serious impact with a bit of a luck. Reaching the quarter-finals doesn't seem like a mission impossible
For many neutrals, Algeria's absence from Qatar felt wrong.
One of Africa's most talented and entertaining national teams watched the 2022 World Cup from home after suffering one of the most heartbreaking qualification defeats in recent memory against Cameroon. Four years later, the Desert Foxes have returned, and they arrive carrying both unfinished business and genuine ambition.
Algeria is Africa's largest country by land area and football is woven into its identity. Few national teams on the continent generate such passion. After the disappointment of missing Qatar, Algeria responded by rebuilding around a blend of established stars and emerging talent, storming through qualification with the attacking football that has become their trademark.
Unlike some African representatives whose primary objective is participation, they travel to North America believing they can make noise. Their opening game against the defending champions, Argentina, will tell us a lot about this side's capacity to make a statement. Also, they will be looking for a long-south revenge when they face Austria, and you'll enjoy a fascinating story of The Disgrace of Gijon at Mozzart Sport Kenya ahead of that group stage game, so stay tuned.
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Main virtues:
It must be talent, pure, undistilled talent. Algeria may possess one of the strongest attacking units outside football's traditional superpowers. Their squad is packed with players competing in Europe's top leagues, giving them technical quality that few African nations can match.
The team is also dangerous in transition, capable of turning defence into attack within seconds.
Star of the team:
The headline name remains, of course, Riyad Mahrez. Even in the latter stages of his career, the former Manchester City winger remains Algeria's leader, captain and symbol. His experience, creativity and composure in big moments are invaluable. Alongside the veteran forward stands Amine Gouiri, one of the most gifted attacking players in the squad, while midfielder Ismael Bennacer provides balance and control when fit.
Key weaknesses:
Defensive concentration. Algeria's attacking instincts sometimes leave them vulnerable at the back. During qualifiers, they occasionally conceded avoidable goals, and similar lapses against elite opponents could prove costly. There is also the question of consistency. The same team capable of defeating major nations can occasionally produce baffling performances.
Predictions:
How far can they go? Algeria's ceiling is significantly higher than many expect. If the Desert Foxes find rhythm early, they possess enough quality to trouble almost anyone. Round of 16 is the minimum target, with the quarter-finals not entirely beyond reach if the draw opens up.
WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE
First round
Thursday, 11.06.
22.00: (1.50) Mexico (4.00) S.Africa (7.25)
Friday, 12. 06.
05.00: (2.70) S.Korea (3.10) Czech R. (2.75)
22.00: (1.85) Canada (3.70) B&H (4.25)
Saturday, 13.06.
04.00: (2.05) USA (3.35) Paraguay (3.80)
22.00: (12.0) Qatar (5.40) Switzerland (1.28)
Sunday, 14.06.
01.00: (1.62) Brazil (3.80) Morocco (5.80)
04.00: (6.80) Haiti (4.45) Scotland (1.47)
07.00: (4.50) Australia (3.50) Turkey (1.83)
20.00: (1.03) Germany (15.0) Curacao (50.0)
02.00: (2.10) Netherlands (3.45) Japan (3.50)
Monday, 15.06.
02.00: (3.60) Ivory Coast (2.90) Ecuador (2.30)
05.00: (2.00) Sweden (3.35) Tunisia (4.00)
19.00: (1.08) Spain (11.0) Cape Verde (28.0)
22.00: (1.70) Belgium (4.00) Egypt (4.75)
***odds are subject to change***