Riyad Mahrez Inspires Algeria’s Return to the World Cup After 12 Years

Algeria have secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup — their first appearance at the tournament since 2014. A commanding 3–0 victory over Somalia guaranteed Algeria the top spot in Group G and confirmed their place among the 20 nations already qualified for the 2026 finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Captain Riyad Mahrez played a pivotal role in the win, assisting Mohamed Amoura’s opener in the sixth minute, scoring a powerful second goal in the 19th, and later setting up Amoura again to seal the result. Under the guidance of coach Vladimir Petković, Algeria maintained full control throughout the match to secure their return to football’s biggest stage.

This marks Algeria’s fifth overall World Cup appearance. Their last participation, in 2014, was also their most successful, as they advanced to the Round of 16 before being eliminated by eventual champions Germany. Over the past 12 years, the North African side had failed to qualify, but this victory ended that drought.

Algeria now join Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt among the African nations heading to the expanded 48-team tournament. With one qualifying match remaining, Petković’s men will look to fine-tune their preparations ahead of their long-awaited return to the global stage.