Algeria

Profile

Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since pushing eventual champions Germany to extra time in the 2014 round of 16 — the closest they have ever come to a quarter-final. The 12-year wait has been frustrating for one of Africa's most passionate footballing nations, but a new generation of dual-eligible talent from French Ligue 1 and other European leagues has revitalised the Desert Foxes. Riyad Mahrez remains the talisman at 35: the African Player of the Year winner who carried Manchester City and Algeria on his shoulders is still capable of decisive moments on the biggest stage. Amine Gouiri has emerged at Marseille as one of Ligue 1's most dangerous attackers. Algeria open against Argentina, which has special resonance — they famously beat West Germany in 1982 in one of the World Cup's most stunning upsets. Reproducing that result against today's defending champions would be among history's great results.

Algeria fixtures

Players to watch

• Riyad Mahrez

  Forward · Al Ahli

  Algeria's greatest modern player and an iconic Premier League performer who won four league titles with Manchester City and a Champions League. His dribbling, creativity and ability to produce moments of individual brilliance in big matches — including an unforgettable 2022 AFCON final performance — make him one of African football's all-time most important players.

• Amine Gouiri

  Forward · Marseille

  One of Ligue 1's most exciting attackers, Gouiri has developed into a consistent goal threat at Marseille with his clever movement, technical quality and clinical finishing. His performances in European competition have raised his profile significantly, and his versatility across the forward line gives Algeria multiple options for deploying their most dangerous young talent.

• Ismaël Bennacer

  Midfielder · Dinamo Zagreb

  A technically accomplished central midfielder who was a key player for AC Milan across several Serie A and Champions League campaigns, Bennacer brings elite-level experience to Algeria's midfield. His quick passing, pressing intelligence and ability to control the game's tempo from central areas give Algeria a quality midfielder capable of competing with Europe's best.

Group J table