Algeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign has come to an end. The Desert Foxes were eliminated in the round of 32, beaten 2-0 by Switzerland on 2 July at BC Place in Vancouver.
Algeria reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2014, advancing out of Group J as one of the best third-placed teams. Here is a full recap of their run, from the opening defeat to Argentina through to the exit against Switzerland.
Algeria’s full 2026 World Cup match record
Algeria played four matches at the 2026 World Cup: three in the group stage and one in the round of 32, finishing with one win, one draw and two defeats.
| Stage | Match | Score | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group J | Argentina vs Algeria | 3-0 | 16 June 2026 | Kansas City |
| Group J | Jordan vs Algeria | 1-2 | 22 June 2026 | San Francisco Bay Area |
| Group J | Algeria vs Austria | 3-3 | 27 June 2026 | Kansas City |
| Round of 32 | Switzerland vs Algeria | 2-0 | 2 July 2026 | Vancouver |
How Algeria’s group stage unfolded
Algeria opened with a heavy defeat but recovered to reach the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams.
- Argentina 3-0 Algeria (16 June, Kansas City): Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s title-defence opener.
- Jordan 1-2 Algeria (22 June, San Francisco Bay Area): Algeria bounced back with a win over World Cup debutants Jordan.
- Algeria 3-3 Austria (27 June, Kansas City): Riyad Mahrez scored twice as Algeria and Austria shared a dramatic final-day draw that sent both sides through.
Argentina topped Group J, Austria finished second on goal difference, and Algeria advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Algeria last reached the World Cup in 2014, when they pushed eventual champions Germany to extra time in the round of 16.
Round of 32: Switzerland ended Algeria’s run
Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32 on 2 July at BC Place in Vancouver, ending the Desert Foxes’ World Cup.
- Breel Embolo opened the scoring in the 10th minute, finishing a low cutback from Johan Manzambi.
- Dan Ndoye doubled Switzerland’s lead within 48 seconds of the second half, sweeping home a loose clearance.
Algeria had more of the ball on the night but managed only 0.73 expected goals to Switzerland’s 2.52. Switzerland advanced to the round of 16, while Algeria’s tournament ended in the last 32.
Algeria’s 2026 World Cup squad
Vladimir Petković coached a squad built around a handful of established European-based names alongside domestic-league regulars.
- Goalkeeper: Zidane
- Defence: Mandi, Bensebaïni, Aït-Nouri
- Midfield: Maza
- Attack: Mahrez, Amoura, Gouiri
Frequently Asked Questions
How far did Algeria go at the 2026 World Cup?
Algeria reached the round of 32 before being eliminated. They advanced from Group J as one of the best third-placed teams, then lost 2-0 to Switzerland on 2 July in Vancouver.
Who eliminated Algeria from the World Cup?
Switzerland eliminated Algeria in the round of 32. Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye secured a 2-0 win at BC Place in Vancouver on 2 July 2026.
What was Algeria’s full match record in 2026?
Algeria finished with one win, one draw and two losses. They lost 3-0 to Argentina, beat Jordan 2-1, drew 3-3 with Austria, then lost 2-0 to Switzerland in the round of 32.
What group was Algeria in at the 2026 World Cup?
Algeria played in Group J alongside Argentina, Austria and Jordan. All three of their group matches were played in Kansas City and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Sources
- FIFA.com — Switzerland v Algeria match report & highlights
- ESPN — Switzerland 2-0 Algeria, final score
- Al Jazeera — Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 to reach World Cup Round of 16
- Opta Analyst — Switzerland 2-0 Algeria match stats
- ESPN — Algeria and Austria’s dramatic draw sends Iran out of the World Cup
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