Algeria extends contract with national team coach Petkovic until 2028

Petkovic's path to Algiers

Earlier in the year, Algeria under Petkovic had already taken part in the Africa Cup of Nations, but was eliminated in the quarter-finals against Nigeria. The early exit at the continental tournament only briefly dampened the mood: the subsequent World Cup qualification was celebrated in Algeria as a sporting milestone, ending a twelve-year absence from the biggest football stage.

At the World Cup finals, which begin this Thursday in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Algeria was drawn in Group J. The group opponents are title holders Argentina, Jordan and Austria. This means that Algeria will face the reigning world champions and will also play a duel against the neighboring country of co-host Mexico.

Group J: Argentina, Jordan and Austria

The opening match of Group J between Algeria and Argentina is scheduled for June 17 at 3:00 a.m. CEST and will be broadcast live on ORF1. For Petkovic, who in his career has already coached BSC Young Boys, FC Girondins Bordeaux, Lazio Rome and the Swiss national team, it is the second World Cup participation as head coach after the 2018 tournament with Switzerland.

With the contract extension, the FAF is responding to the sporting development of the past two and a half years. Petkovic had not only led Algeria back onto the world stage, but also integrated a number of young players into the squad. The association hopes that the continuity on the touchline will keep the team competitive beyond the World Cup.

Continuity as the association's strategy

The personnel decision comes at a time when the Algerian national team faces what is likely the biggest sporting challenge in years. In Group J, a clear favorite awaits in Argentina with the reigning world champions, while the matches against Jordan and Austria are considered to be decisive for the further course of the tournament.

With the early extension, the FAF is also taking the wind out of the sails of speculation about a possible coaching change after the World Cup. Petkovic can now fully concentrate on the sporting task of leading the "Fennecs" through the group stage and, if possible, beyond.