When football fans last saw Algeria on the grandest stage in 2014, they captured the world's imagination by pushing eventual champions Germany to extra time in an epic encounter. That night, Manuel Neuer was forced to reinvent the 'sweeper-keeper' role just to keep the relentless Algerian attack at bay.
Twelve years later, the North Africans enter the 2026 World Cup as a fascinating team in transition. The dizzying highs of that 2014 run and their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph are now firmly in the rear-view mirror. Today's squad is anchored by Africa's highest-paid manager, an aging former PFA Player of the Year, and one of the most electric teenagers in German football, ready to announce himself to the globe.
To unpack what we can expect from Algeria this summer, we sat down with African football journalist Ali Howorth on the latest episode of our Make Football Great Again podcast. For Howorth, Algeria isn't quite the powerhouse of old, but they possess a calculated, defensively resilient setup that could easily turn into a knockout-stage wildcard.
Mahrez's Swansong
When discussing Algerian football greatness, there is no debate. Riyad Mahrez stands completely alone. The former Leicester City and Manchester City winger was the first African to win the PFA Player of the Year award, a true icon who carried his nation to the 2019 AFCON title. But at 35 years old, Mahrez's presence in the starting line-up triggers a Cristiano Ronaldo-like intense national debate.
"There's a constant tension that always happens when you have an aging superstar," Howorth explains. "His legs are gone, and there's a sense of: does he bring the energy we need? When Algeria rested players in their final AFCON group game, they actually played their best, most exciting football using younger talent. But from an identity and leadership perspective, he is still the talisman. He clearly still has an incredible touch - watching YouTube compilations of his first touches is one of my favourite things. He'll start for Algeria at the World Cup, but this is surely his last tournament."
The Zidane Dilemma
Perhaps the most bizarre subplot of the Algerian squad revolves around the man wearing the goalkeeper gloves: Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane. While his family name is football royalty, his performances for the national team have drawn massive scrutiny. "He's a decent player for Granada, and he's very, very good with the ball at his feet," Howorth notes. "That is exactly why he plays; the manager likes to play out from the back. But he is a very short goalkeeper - only around 5ft 10in or 5ft 11in - and he lacks physical presence. He completely struggles taking crosses."
This lack of aerial presence proved catastrophic during their recent AFCON knockout exit against Nigeria. "He was at fault for both goals. There's a screenshot that does him dirty, but it shows Victor Osimhen heading the ball downward and Luca almost accidentally jumping right over it. He's so small that he overcompensates to make himself look big and ends up making mistakes. Goalkeeping has been a massive issue for Algeria for six years."
Introducing 'Mazza-donna' - the Next Phil Foden
If fans are looking for a reason to fall in love with this Algerian side, look no further than Bayer Leverkusen's teenage sensation Ibrahim Maza. Dubbed "Mazza-donna" by fans, the half-Vietnamese, half-Algerian midfielder was signed by Leverkusen specifically to step into the boots of Florian Wirtz after the German moved to Liverpool last year. "He is a very modern, physical No. 10 with a low centre of gravity and an excellent first touch," Howorth says. "He was nominated for Rookie of the Year in the Bundesliga and the player he reminds me of the most when watching him live is Phil Foden."
It is a lofty comparison, but one Howorth stands by. "Foden is unique because he can receive a ball rocketed at his feet on the turn and not slow down his mid-sprint at all. Maza has that exact same rare ability. He had a brilliant AFCON, stepped up significantly, and is absolutely the one to keep an eye on."
Africa's Highest-Paid (and Most Boring?) Manager
Algeria are led by Vladimir Petkovic, the Swiss-Bosnian manager who spent years guiding a highly successful Switzerland side. He is a character who completely splits opinion in Algiers - not least because of his press conference antics. "He's an interesting, incredibly boring man with zero charisma," Howorth laughs. "He understands French, but he completely refuses to speak it. Even in African press conferences, he will only speak Italian, leaving everyone relying on translators. But he is clearly a top-tier tournament coach."
The federation has invested heavily, making Petkovic the highest-paid coach in African football. While fans clamour for expansive football, his priority is defensive solidity. "They know how to play exciting football against smaller sides... but when it gets to a tournament, Petkovic locks things down. The demands on him are huge."
Tricky Draw
Algeria find themselves in a tricky group alongside Argentina, Jordan and Austria. While the Western world might write off Jordan, Howorth insists the Algerians are far more respectful of the Asian confederation side. "The expectation is strictly to get out of the group. Anything beyond that is an absolute bonus," Howorth concludes. "Topping a group with Argentina is unlikely, so it becomes a three-way shootout between Austria, Jordan and Algeria. The problem is the bracket format. If Algeria finish second or third, they are highly likely to draw Spain in the very next round. It's a tough path for a team in transition, but Petkovic knows how to navigate tournament football."
