ORAN, Algeria – Algeria have booked their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing qualification in emphatic fashion with a commanding 3-0 victory over Somalia in their Group G qualifier on Thursday
The Desert Foxes, playing in front of a jubilant crowd at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex, wasted no time in seizing control, with star performances from Mohamed Amoura and captain Riyad Mahrez lighting up the night.
Striker Mohamed Amoura opened the scoring just seven minutes into the match, putting the hosts firmly in the driver’s seat. Captain Riyad Mahrez then doubled the lead in the 19th minute, unleashing a fierce strike to send the Algerian faithful into raptures. The victory was sealed in the second half when Amoura completed his brace, netting his second goal in the 57th minute to make it 3-0 and guarantee Algeria the top spot in the group.
The dominant win ensures Algeria returns to the World Cup stage for the first time since the 2014 tournament in Brazil, ending a 12-year wait for the North African giants. Under the guidance of coach Vladimir Petkovic, the Fennec Foxes become the fourth African nation to qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The result marks a significant achievement for the national team, banishing the memory of their disappointing miss in the 2022 qualifiers and igniting celebrations across the country.
