Mahrez Sparks Algeria's World Cup Dream: A Night of Masterclass and Momentum
9 October 2025
Algerian Wizard
In one of the toughest nights faced by Algerian fans, the seasoned magician Riyad Mahrez decided to take charge of guiding his country toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Mahrez steered The Greens to a deserved away win against Somalia, a 3-0 victory that sent his nation toward the World Cup, reaching 22 points atop Group Seven.
Dream Night
The star from Al-Ahli Jeddah contributed to the three goals, providing two assists and scoring one, helping the nation reach the World Cup for a second time since 2014.
And Mahrez reached 17 goal contributions in 21 matches with Algeria in the African qualifiers for the World Cup.
He has registered 7 goals and 10 assists across his fourth campaign with The Greens in the World Cup qualifiers, bringing his total contributions to 77 in 105 appearances across competitions, with 33 goals and 44 assists.
Moments of Great Timing
He continued delivering eye-catching performances in big moments, both with Algeria and Al-Ahli since last season.
He helped Al-Ahli win the Elite Asian Champions League for the first time in history, delivering the top goal contribution rate in the competition, scoring 8 goals and providing 9 assists.
During last season, he produced remarkable form for Al-Ahli, tallying 17 goals and 21 assists in 45 matches across domestic and continental competitions.
And in the season just ended, he registered at least one assist in four consecutive league games, and he laid on four goals in the 5-0 victory over Al-Fayha.
Among the big nights where Mahrez delivered, he created a goal versus the league’s heavyweights and shone against Asia’s best sides.
He led Al-Ahli to claim the local Super Cup at the start of this season, the club’s second-most prolific contributor since the start of the campaign, with 7 goals (2 scored, 5 assists). He then returned to bring his magic home, after a long spell of criticism during the international phase.
Return to the World Cup
The victory over Somalia was more than three points; it was a symbolic moment that restored hope for millions, after years of absence and painful setbacks, the Greens reclaimed a seat among world elites.
For fans, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup wasn’t a typical milestone but a reclaiming of national identity and a revival of memories of Brazil 2014.
As for Mahrez, the comeback embodied perseverance, sending a clear message that Algeria’s star is still present, leading, dreaming, and refusing to surrender to the idea of an ending.
What lies ahead for Mahrez?
Qualifying Algeria for the 2026 World Cup was not the end of a successful campaign but the start of a new phase relying on Mahrez's experience and his ability to make a difference.
Apart from his impressive numbers, Mahrez remains a cornerstone for the Greens’ ambitions, whether through his experience in handling tough situations or his ability to mentor younger players on the pitch.
The coming World Cup will be a final test for this generation and team, but also a chance to pave the way for the next generation that will carry Algeria's flag in the years ahead.
Here, Mahrez's role is not just as a top attacking talent but as a leader guiding the transitional period that may define the team's future for years to come.
Punchline 1: If grit were goals, Mahrez would be undefeated—and the scoreboard would still ask for more.
Punchline 2: The ball finds him so often that even the crossbar files a fan club membership just for him.
