Algeria

Algeria — Les Fennecs (the Desert Foxes) — are drawn into Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, Austria, and Jordan. Algeria return to the World Cup after missing the 2018 and 2022 editions, with memories of their brilliant 2014 campaign and the 2019 AFCON title fueling their ambitions.

Argentina are overwhelming favorites. Austria are competitive Europeans. Jordan are debutants. Algeria should target second place, with the Austria match being pivotal.

Why this group matters: Algeria's 2014 World Cup performance — where they reached the Round of 16 and pushed Germany to extra time — showed what the Fennecs are capable of. The 2019 AFCON title confirmed their quality. In 2026, Algeria want to prove they belong among Africa's elite at the World Cup.

Argentina on Matchday 1 is the toughest possible start — facing the defending champions. Jordan on Matchday 2 is a winnable middle game if Algeria settle the nerves. Austria on Matchday 3 is the group decider.

Algeria have appeared in 4 FIFA World Cups:

• 1982: Algeria's greatest World Cup moment — a 2-1 victory over West Germany in the group stage. The subsequent "Disgrace of Gijon" (where West Germany and Austria played out a mutually beneficial result to eliminate Algeria) led FIFA to change the rules so final group matches are played simultaneously.
• 1986: Group-stage exit despite competitive performances.
• 2010: Group-stage exit with losses to Slovenia and the USA.
• 2014: Algeria's best modern performance. They reached the Round of 16, where they lost 2-1 to Germany in extra time — a match where goalkeeper Rais M'Bolhi and the Algerian defense were magnificent. The team played without fear and pushed the eventual champions to the limit.
• AFCON 2019: Algeria won the Africa Cup of Nations, beating Senegal 1-0 in the final. The tournament validated Algeria as one of Africa's strongest teams.

• Mahrez cutting inside from the right wing onto his lethal left foot
• Bennacer controlling midfield with passing and positioning
• Counter-attacking transitions through pace and direct play
• Physical midfield presence to compete in aerial and ground duels
• Set-piece quality through Mahrez's delivery

Algeria are at their best when playing on the counter against stronger teams — exactly the approach they used against Germany in 2014.

Algerian football culture is among the most passionate and volatile in Africa. The Fennecs' support base is enormous — both in Algeria (45 million population) and across the massive diaspora.

• French diaspora: An estimated 4-5 million people of Algerian origin live in France. When Algeria play, the Champs-Elysees celebrates victories with car horns and flags — a cultural phenomenon.
• "One, Two, Three — Viva l'Algerie": The famous chant echoes through every stadium where Algeria play. It is simple, infectious, and thunderous.
• North African pride: Algerian fans carry the pride of representing North Africa on the world stage. Football is deeply connected to national identity and post-colonial pride.
• US diaspora: Smaller Algerian communities in New York, Washington DC, and other US cities will provide support.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Algeria play with a combination of North African flair and French tactical discipline (many players trained in France). The opening match against defending champions Argentina carries echoes of 1982 — when Algeria shocked West Germany and changed World Cup rules forever. Riyad Mahrez on his day is one of the most watchable players in football.

Algeria need to beat Jordan and take points from Austria. Argentina is likely a loss.

Prediction: Round of 32. Algeria should finish second in Group J behind Argentina, beating Jordan and competing with Austria. A Round of 32 victory is possible, but the Round of 16 against a top opponent is the likely ceiling.