Algeria World Cup 2026 Squad — Players, Manager & Group

Riyad Mahrez — the undisputed star at his likely final World Cup

Riyad Mahrez at 35 is the undisputed star of this Algeria squad and likely playing at his final World Cup. The former Manchester City and Leicester City winger is still technically brilliant even if the pace has diminished with age. His experience, his quality on the ball and his ability to create goals from nothing makes him Algeria's most dangerous player by some distance.

Algeria open against defending champions Argentina — the hardest possible start

Algeria open against defending champions Argentina in Kansas City — arguably the hardest possible opening game in the entire tournament. Messi, Alvarez, Lautaro in the same attack. Algeria will need to be defensively perfect for 90 minutes and take whatever chance they get on the counter. It is a genuinely enormous challenge.

Ismael Bennacer — the midfield engine that frees Mahrez

Ismael Bennacer of AC Milan is the technical quality in Algeria's midfield that allows Mahrez the freedom to operate higher up the pitch. The 26-year-old has developed into one of the better midfielders in Serie A and his partnership with Mahrez for Algeria has produced some of their best recent performances.

Group J beyond Argentina — qualification is alive

Group J also contains Austria and Jordan. If Algeria can avoid a heavy defeat against Argentina in the opener they keep their qualification hopes alive for the remaining two games. Austria are good but beatable. Jordan making their debut will be motivated but limited. Algeria are realistic candidates for second or third place.

Vladimir Petkovic — tactical discipline and major tournament experience

Vladimir Petkovic is a solid manager who has taken teams to major tournaments before — he led Switzerland at Euro 2016 and 2020. He brings tactical discipline and experience that this Algerian squad needs alongside the individual quality of Mahrez and Bennacer.

Algeria's World Cup history — a football nation with genuine ambition

Algeria's World Cup history includes winning in 1982 — the famous Algeria vs West Germany match that changed the tournament forever and led to the introduction of simultaneous final group games. They qualified in 2010 and 2014 as well. This is a football nation with history and ambition.

Who is in Algeria's World Cup 2026 squad?

Full squad listed above including Riyad Mahrez and Ismael Bennacer.

Who is Algeria's manager at World Cup 2026?

Vladimir Petkovic, the Bosnian manager.

What group are Algeria in at World Cup 2026?

Group J with Argentina, Austria and Jordan.

When do Algeria play their first World Cup game?

June 16 vs Argentina at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City.

Who is Algeria's best player at World Cup 2026?

Riyad Mahrez of Al-Ahli — one of the most technically gifted players at the tournament.