Petkovic Leads Algeria Into World Cup 2026 With Strong Form and Fan Support

Vladimir Petkovic, 62, has taken charge of Algeria's FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with impressive credentials and growing momentum. Since joining the national team in 2024, Petkovic has compiled a remarkable 70.73% win rate across 41 matches, winning 29, drawing 9, and losing just 3. His appointment came days before the tournament, with Algeria extending his contract until 2028, signalling confidence in his leadership.

Petkovic brings World Cup experience from his 2018 tenure with Switzerland, when he guided them to the round of 16. However, his tenure with Algeria began with a setback, as the team lost 0-2 to Nigeria in the AFCON quarterfinals. Despite this early disappointment, Algeria demonstrated resilience by defeating DR Congo in extra time before the World Cup, and their recent form has been encouraging. The team drew 0-0 with Uruguay and secured a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in their final preparations.

Heading into the tournament in the United States, Petkovic has emphasized the importance of fan support and team unity. During a stay in Kansas, over 500 Algerian supporters gathered outside the team's hotel, an outpouring that visibly moved the coach. "Seeing 5-600 people that first evening, fans that were waiting outside our hotel, it really gave me goosebump," Petkovic reflected, adding that he witnessed many US citizens displaying Algerian scarves and offering their support. The coach expressed optimism about advancing through the group stage and continuing deeper into the knockout rounds, hoping Algerian fans from Kansas would follow the team to other cities.