Algeria coach: “Beating Uganda was a major turning point in qualifying for the World Cup”

Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic described his team’s crucial victory over Uganda in the fourth round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers as a major turning point on their road to qualification.

The Desert Warriors officially booked their place at the 2026 World Cup after defeating Somalia 3-0 in the ninth and penultimate round of qualifiers.

Algeria currently sit top of Group G with 22 points, four points ahead of second-placed Uganda, before the two teams meet on Monday in Tizi Ouzou for the final matchday.

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Petkovic said:

“When I came here, the situation was complicated and difficult. We worked on putting the house in order, restoring calm, and getting the team back on the right path.”

Algeria coach highlighted the difficult moments following their loss to Guinea and the pressure that came with it:

“We faced huge pressure after the defeat to Guinea, and then in the first half of the tough match against Uganda. That victory — after our strong comeback in the second half — was a major turning point in our qualification path.”

Algeria had lost 1–2 at home to Guinea in the third round before bouncing back with a 2–1 away victory over Uganda in the fourth.

Petkovic emphasized that securing qualification would not change their approach:

“Qualifying for the World Cup will not change our approach. We will continue working with the goal of constant improvement. Our next target is to prepare well for the match against Uganda, which we aim to win.”

Algeria coach concluded by saying:

“We will keep going. We have done a great job, but there is still room for development. The competition in the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup will be tough, and every player must prove he deserves to wear the national team shirt.”

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