Desert Warriors Reignite the World Cup Dream: Algeria Clinches 2026 Qualification with a 3-0 Win Over Somalia
9 October 2025
Overview
The Desert Warriors ended a World Cup drought by routing Somalia 3-0 at Miloud Hadfi Stadium in Oran. The result clinched Algeria's ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, returning the North African powerhouse to the world stage for the first time since Brazil 2014. They topped Africa's qualifying group with 22 points from nine matches, recording seven wins, one draw and one defeat, well clear of Uganda and Mozambique on 16 points each.
Lineup and key moments
Starting goalkeeper Alexis Kandouz started behind a back four of Mandi, Ben Sabaini, Rafik Belghali and Jwan Hajjam. In midfield, Youcef Ben Taleb and Hicham Boudaoui supported Amoura, while Riyad Mahrez anchored the attack alongside Fares Shibi and Baghdad Bounedjah.
The match began with sustained pressure from Algeria. Within six minutes Amoura finished off a coordinated move to put the hosts ahead, and in the 19th minute Mahrez added a brilliant second after a dazzling solo run.
Algeria controlled the first half, with Mahrez continuing to trouble the Somalia defense and the team taking a 2-0 lead into the break.
After the restart, Algeria pressed again and extended their lead in the 57th minute as Amoura headed in a Mahrez cross. The coach rotated his squad, bringing on Yousef Blailli, Ibrahim Mazari, Anis Hadj Moussa and Amine Guiri as substitutes, while Mahrez and Bounedjah left the field later in the half.
Somalia offered little in attack as Algeria kept the tempo high and sought further goals, but the night belonged to the Desert Warriors as they closed out a comprehensive victory.
What it means and celebrations
More than the scoreline, the win signaled a revival of Algeria's attacking threat and defensive balance, built on consistency and the blend of veteran leadership with rising stars.
Celebrations erupted across Algeria as fans filled streets and the national team posted the moment of qualification on social media with the message of marching toward the World Cup.
With World Cup 2026 just ahead, Algeria shifts focus to preparation and aims to echo their 2014 run to the knockout stage, dreaming of competing with the world's best on football's biggest stage.
Punchline time: Punchline 1 — My aim in life is to be as precise as Algeria's counter-attack—just maybe with fewer offside calls.
Punchline time: Punchline 2 — If Algeria's defense tightens any more, my GPS will file a complaint for being diverted by a wall of defenders.
