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The 2026 World Cup is set to be a major event, not only because of its record-breaking format featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, but also because of the geographical diversity of its hosts: the United States, Canada and Mexico. This edition, which will take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026, also marks a turning point in the history of world football, with implications for the national teams currently in the qualifying process. Among the teams in contention, those from Africa, such as Algeria, are navigating a balance between ambition and structural challenges. Algerian football, whilst boasting a rich history, must contend with sometimes limited resources when facing more established nations.
The format of the 2026 World Cup, which includes 12 additional teams compared to previous editions, changes the qualification rules. The six new places reserved for OECD countries (including the United States, Canada and Mexico) do not affect Africa, but the expansion in the number of participants changes the stakes for the traditional teams. African teams, such as Algeria, must now compete for one of the places allocated across the five confederations. The Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), to be held in 2025, will play a key role in this qualification process, with the top two teams from each group qualifying directly for the World Cup.
The format of the 2026 World Cup, which includes 12 additional teams compared to previous editions, changes the qualification rules.
In this context, the strategic decisions made by coaches take on their full significance. The selection of key players, tactical choices and preparations for matches against a variety of opponents all require rigorous planning. For a team like Algeria, which has demonstrated consistency in previous editions, the aim is to maintain a high enough level of performance to reach the finals. The challenges include not only the competition itself, but also the ability to adapt to a demanding schedule and varying weather conditions, particularly if matches are held in regions with extreme temperatures.
Algerian supporters, loyal to their team, are closely following developments in the qualifiers. The national teams’ performances will depend on their ability to strengthen their squads, integrate emerging young talent and organise themselves as a unit. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations could play a decisive role in this journey, offering a unique opportunity to set their sights on the World Cup. The stakes are therefore twofold: aiming for victory in Africa whilst building solid momentum for the 2026 tournament.
Finally, the 2026 World Cup will also mark a shift in the way football is experienced in these host nations. Infrastructure, technology and stadium accessibility will revolutionise the spectators’ experience, whilst offering national teams the opportunity to play in modern stadiums. For Algeria, as for other African teams, this new era will require a long-term vision, in which every qualifying match becomes a step towards a universal dream: celebrating the World Cup in its fullest sense.