Algeria ease past Somalia to clinch World Cup qualification

Algeria have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a Thursday’s dominant victory over Somalia to clinch first place in Group G from the CAF region of qualifying.

It did not take long for the hosts to assert themselves at the Stade Miloud Hadefi in Oran. In the 6th minute, Les Verts carved the Somalian defense apart with a buildup from the bak and star Riyad Mahrez burst into space on the right wing to float a cross to the far post for Mohamed Amoura to volley past Somalia keeper Abdirahman Mohamud.

Before twenty minutes had elapsed, the score was 2-0 in favor of the hosts. After a corner kick was briefly cleared by the visitors, Firas Chaibi’s cross fell through to a wide open Mahrez who made no mistake with an excellent finish.

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— 🟥 NEW acc: @CENTERofGOALS (@ChasseRegi4465) October 9, 2025

Mahrez continued to show his class after halftime. Given room to operate on the right wing once again in the 57th minute, the Al Ahli playmaker mesmerized on the dribble before floating another perfect cross to find Amoura again for a well placed header to make it 3-0.

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— 🟥 NEW acc: @CENTERofGOALS (@ChasseRegi4465) October 9, 2025

Algeria will host Uganda on Monday to conclude their successful qualification campaign while Somalia finish up against Mozambique.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Updated Group G Table

1. Algeria- 22 points
2. Uganda- 18 points (GD: +6)
3. Mozambique- 15 points (GD: -4)
4. Guinea- 14 points
5. Botswana- 9 points
6. Somalia- 1 point