Algeria’s Head Coach Signs New Deal Through 2028 After World Cup Qualification

Vladimir Petkovic’s Agreement with the Algerian Football Federation

According to Главком: Vladimir Petkovic, the head coach of Algeria’s national team, has extended his contract with the Algerian Football Federation until July 2028. Petkovic took charge in February 2024 and has since lifted Algeria 15 spots in the FIFA rankings, with the team now sitting at 28th place. His efforts also ended a 12-year drought by securing Algeria’s spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Under his leadership, Algeria reached the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Prior to this role, Petkovic spent seven years coaching Switzerland’s national team. The final 27-player squad for the 2026 World Cup has been announced, featuring the following players:

• Goalkeepers:
  • Lucas Zidane (Granada)
  • Oussama Benbot (USM Alger)
  • Melvin Mastil (Stade Nyonnais)
  • Abdelatif Ramdane (MC Alger)
• Defenders:
  • Rafik Belghali (Verona)
  • Samir Chergui (Paris)
  • Rayan Aït-Nouri (Manchester City)
  • Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys)
  • Aïssa Mandi (Lille)
  • Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund)
  • Zineddine Belaïd (JS Kabylie)
  • Ashraf Abada (USM Alger)
  • Mohamed Amine Tougai (Espérance)
• Midfielders:
  • Nabil Bentaleb (Lille)
  • Hicham Boudaoui (Nice)
  • Houssem Aouar (Al-Ittihad)
  • Farès Chaïbi (Eintracht)
  • Ibrahim Maza (Bayer)
  • Yacine Titraoui (Charleroi)
  • Ramiz Zerrouki (Twente)
• Forwards:
  • Mohamed El Amine Amoura (Wolfsburg)
  • Nadir Benbouali (Győr)
  • Adil Boulbina (Al-Duhail)
  • Farès Ghedjemis (Frosinone)
  • Amin Gouiri (Marseille)
  • Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord)
  • Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli Jeddah)

Algeria’s first World Cup match is scheduled for June 17 in Kansas City. The Algerian Football Federation and coaching staff are optimistic about the team’s performance, given the positive changes under Petkovic’s tenure.

This contract extension reflects the federation’s confidence in Petkovic’s training methods and strategies for team development. Algeria’s return to the World Cup, along with their Africa Cup of Nations achievements, signals an upward trajectory in results. Facing strong opponents like Argentina and Austria in the group stage will be a serious test, but with recent successes, Algeria has a chance to compete well on the global stage.

As Algeria prepares for the upcoming World Cup, the inclusion of notable players is generating excitement among fans. One of the highlights is the selection of Zinedine Zidane's son in the national squad, which adds a unique dimension to the team's dynamics. This development complements the positive trajectory under Petkovic's leadership, setting high expectations for the tournament.