Algeria back to World Cup after 12-year absence

Algeria have secured their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014 after defeating Somalia 3–0 in Oran on Thursday, clinching top spot in Group G of the African qualifiers.

The victory, achieved in the penultimate round of the qualifying series, confirmed the Desert Warriors’ fifth appearance at football’s biggest stage and their first in 12 years.

Playing at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium, which served as Somalia’s temporary home venue, Algeria made a fast start. Mohamed El Amine Amoura opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Captain Riyad Mahrez doubled the advantage with a composed strike midway through the first half.

Amoura added his second in the 58th minute to complete a brace and cap off a dominant performance from Vladimir Petrovic’s side.

With the win, Algeria moved to 22 points, mathematically sealing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

This qualification marks a long-awaited return to the global stage for a nation regarded as one of Africa’s football powerhouses. Algeria last featured at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they reached the Round of 16 and famously pushed eventual champions Germany to extra time.

After missing the 2018 and 2022 editions, the team’s resurgence under Petrovic has gathered pace, driven by a blend of seasoned internationals and promising young players.

Algeria become the fourth African nation to secure a spot at the 2026 tournament, joining Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt. The expanded format will feature 48 teams for the first time.

Across Africa, nine group winners will qualify automatically, while the four best runners-up will battle in play-offs for one final intercontinental berth.

In all, 20 nations worldwide have already booked their places at the tournament, including hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico, as well as South American giants Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. – CAFonline.com

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