Nice · Africa Cup of Nations · Midfielder · #6 · Algeria · 26 yrs
Algeria kicks off its 2026 World Cup campaign against heavyweights Argentina, but winger Riyad Mahrez is the shock omission from the starting lineup. Algeria is set to clash with Argentina in their highly anticipated World Cup opener, but Al-Ahli star Riyad Mahrez will start the match from the bench in a massive tactical gamble by manager Vladimir Petkovic. The decision to drop the former Manchester City winger comes as a surprise, given that Mahrez started in Algeria‘s pre-tournament tune-ups—including a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands and a dominant 4-0 dismantling of Bolivia. Yet, Petkovic has opted for a fresh blueprint to counter the reigning world champions. Anis Hadj Moussa will get the nod to attack Argentina‘s left flank, replacing Mahrez in a dynamic, high-energy front three alongside forwards Ibrahim Maza and Amine Gouiri. Moussa was the hero who delivered the dramatic, late game-winner to sink the Netherlands and also found the back of the net in the blowout victory over Bolivia. HADJ FUCKING MOUSSA 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/5qE2TT9itH— Joël (@Joelstreepje10) June 3, 2026 Backed by that red-hot form, Petkovic is handing him a golden opportunity to start in a high-stakes blockbuster, stepping into the very role that the team’s biggest superstar has monopolized for years. Algeria confirmed lineup With the tactical puzzle officially solved, manager Vladimir Petkovic has locked in his starting lineup for Algeria’s highly anticipated 2026 World Cup opener against Argentina at Kansas City Stadium. Algeria XI (4-3-3): Luca Zidane; Rafik Belghali, Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Ait-Nouri; Nabil Bentaleb, Hicham Boudaoui, Fares Chaibi; Ibrahim Maza, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa.
Full preview of Algeria for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. Algeria returns to the global stage after a 12-year absence, carrying renewed optimism and a potent attacking lineup into the tournament. Following a transitional period, the Fennecs have revitalized their roster under head coach Vladimir Petkovic. They arrive at the 2026 World Cup looking to replicate or exceed their historic 2014 run to the knockout rounds. This summer represents a defining moment for a group blending emerging domestic talent with established veterans. The upcoming matches will test their defensive resilience, particularly in a challenging group featuring the reigning champions. This World Cup 2026 team preview breaks down the tactical setup, the coaching philosophy, and the Algeria squad depth as the nation prepares for the global showpiece. Team profile CoachVladimir PetkovicCaptainRiyad MahrezNicknameThe Fennecs, The Greens, The Desert WarriorsFIFA Ranking29thConfederationCAFGroupGroup JBest World Cup ResultRound of 16 (2014)World Cup Appearances5Last World Cup Appearance2014 How Algeria play The primary Algeria formation under Petkovic is a highly structured 4-2-3-1 that occasionally shifts into a fluid 4-3-3 in possession. The team prioritizes an aggressive, high-energy approach, demanding significant physical output from every player on the field to sustain their pressing scheme. In attack, the system relies heavily on wide playmakers who operate in the half-spaces to dictate the tempo and draw defenders out of position. This dynamic creates avenues for overlapping fullbacks and central midfielders to exploit. Defensively, the team utilizes a tenacious double pivot, often anchored by Hicham Boudaoui or Fares Chaibi, to recover possession and shield the backline. Providing a complete Algeria tactical analysis reveals that while their offensive firepower is formidable, their aggressive posture can leave spaces in transition.This vulnerability makes them susceptible to rapid counterattacks from elite opponents. Ultimately, this dynamic tactical approach ensures Algeria will dictate the tempo against weaker sides, though their defensive discipline will determine their success against top-tier opposition at the 2026 World Cup. Vladimir Petkovic: The coach behind Algeria Appointed in early 2024, the Algeria coach brought immediate stability and a pragmatic identity to the national team. The veteran manager is widely respected for his seven-year tenure with Switzerland, where he consistently guided the team to the knockout stages of major international tournaments. Known for his tactical flexibility and demanding physical standards, Petkovic has successfully integrated younger dual-nationals into the setup while phasing out aging veterans. His leadership style balances strict defensive structure with creative freedom for his most talented attackers. By prioritizing squad cohesion over individual reputations, Petkovic has built a resilient roster capable of adapting to high-pressure situations. His extensive tournament experience and calm demeanor on the touchline could be the defining factor in navigating a difficult group stage. Key player: Riyad Mahrez Riyad Mahrez remains the creative focal point and undisputed leader among Algeria key players. The Al-Ahli winger operates primarily as an inverted right-sided playmaker, utilizing his elite ball control and vision to cut inside onto his favored left foot. With 113 international caps and 38 goals, the 35-year-old brings unmatched pedigree to the squad, having won numerous domestic titles and a European club championship. In the current tactical setup, Mahrez dictates the offensive rhythm, drawing multiple defenders to create space for overlapping teammates. While emerging forwards like Mohamed Amoura share the goalscoring responsibilities, the team’s build-up play relies heavily on Mahrez’s ability to unlock organized defenses. Alger
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