Algeria have officially secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first qualification to the global showpiece since 2014.
The Desert Foxes thrashed Somalia 3-0 on Thursday to finish top of Group G, sealing their return to football’s biggest stage.
The victory also underlined North Africa’s growing dominance in African football, with Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia already booking their tickets to the tournament.
Captain Riyad Mahrez led by example, assisting Mohamed Amoura’s goals in the sixth and 58th minutes while netting a stunning strike of his own in the 19th.
Under coach Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria will now prepare for their fifth World Cup appearance, determined to equal or surpass their 2014 run, when they reached the Round of 16 but lost to eventual champions Germany.
The 2026 World Cup will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico and will give Africa nine direct qualification spots.
