Algeria Clinches World Cup Qualification

Algeria has secured its spot in the upcoming World Cup, marking them as the fourth nation from Africa to qualify, joining Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia.

Mohamed Amoura’s two goals powered Algeria to a decisive 3-0 victory over Somalia on Thursday. This triumph confirms Algeria’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, following in the footsteps of fellow African qualifiers Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt.

The Wolfsburg forward initiated the scoring early in the sixth minute, converting a volley from Riyad Mahrez’s cross. Mahrez, formerly with Manchester City, then doubled the lead by capitalizing on a loose ball midway through the first half.

Mahrez played a pivotal role again in the 57th minute, assisting Amoura’s second goal, extending Algeria’s advantage to three. With qualification seemingly guaranteed, coach Vladimir Petkovic substituted both goalscorers.

The match in Oran was largely anticipated to favor the Desert Foxes, given their significant lead of 163 places over the Ocean Stars in global rankings.

Algeria currently leads Group G with 22 points, holding a four-point lead over Uganda with only one round remaining. The group standings continue with Mozambique in third, followed by Guinea, Botswana, and Somalia.

Luca Zidane’s decision to represent Algeria internationally garnered considerable attention leading up to the game. The goalkeeper, who plays for Spanish second-tier club Granada, previously represented France at the youth level. However, he qualified to switch allegiances due to his Algerian paternal grandparents.

Although named as a substitute by Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic, the starting position was given to goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz, who is the current champion with Mouloudia Alger.

Algeria’s upcoming appearance in the 2026 tournament will mark their fifth participation in the World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

After exiting in the first round in 1982, 1986 and 2010, the team progressed to the second round of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they were defeated 2-1 by eventual champions Germany.

Other World Cup Qualifying Matches

In another match, Ryan Ogam’s goal in the 73rd minute secured a 1-0 victory for Kenya against Burundi in a heated East African derby held in Bujumbura. The home team was reduced to 10 players early in the match.

Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana was given a direct red card for a foul against Kenyan goalkeeper Brian Okoth, resulting in Okoth being replaced by Bryne Odhiambo due to injury.

The incident led to a tense first half. A studs-up foul by Kenyan Manzur Suleiman prompted strong reactions from Burundian players, who demanded a red card.

Despite holding a numerical advantage, Kenya struggled to create scoring opportunities until the added time of the first half. It was then that Jonathan Nahimana made an impressive save, denying a long-range shot.

Ogam’s decisive goal ultimately broke Burundi’s resistance, elevating Kenya to third place, trailing the leading reigning African champions, Ivory Coast, by eight points.

Ivory Coast and Gabon dominate Group F, separated by a single point as they approach their penultimate matches on Friday.

Ivory Coast will play against the Seychelles in Mauritius, as their opponents lack a FIFA-approved stadium.

Gabon faces a potentially tougher challenge, playing away against Gambia in Nairobi, another country that lacks a venue of international standard.

Ivory Coast is in a position to secure their fourth World Cup appearance, and first since 2014, with a win coupled with a loss for Gabon.

Nine qualifiers are slated for Friday, including three in Group C. In Group C, the leaders Benin, along with South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Lesotho, still have a mathematical possibility of securing the top spot.

Benin currently leads South Africa based on goal difference. Both are ahead of Nigeria and Rwanda by three points, while Lesotho trails the leaders by five points.

Lesotho benefited from FIFA’s decision to change a 2-0 loss to South Africa in March to a 3-0 victory due to South Africa fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena.