Algerian Radio
The players and staff of the Algerian national football team visited the National Mujahid Museum on Saturday evening, on the eve of their departure for the 2026 World Cup, the fifth appearance in the history of "Les Verts."
Under the slogan "For Algeria… Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow," captain Riyad Mahrez and his teammates received detailed historical briefings on the icons of national memory.
The "Desert Warriors" are scheduled to depart for the United States this Sunday afternoon at 17:00.
The team heads to the tournament following a significant 1-0 friendly victory against the Netherlands last Wednesday, secured by a brilliant strike from winger Anis Hadj Moussa. The win was particularly notable as it broke a home unbeaten streak for the Dutch team that had lasted since 2023.
"Les Verts" will play one final friendly against Bolivie next Wednesday before officially beginning their World Cup campaign, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
The journey for Belghali and his teammates begins with a heavyweight clash against 2022 champions Argentine on June 17, kicking off at 3:00 AM Algiers time.
Algeria competes in Group J alongside Argentine, Jordanie, and Autriche. The first-round matches will be held in Kansas City and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Following the opener against the "Tango Dancers," the Greens will face the "Nashama" of Jordanie on June 23 at 5:00 AM Algiers time. This "Arab Summit," taking place in the San Francisco Bay Area, will be the first-ever meeting between the two brotherly nations in a World Cup. The match is of high importance as both teams will likely need the points to advance.
In their third and final group game, the Greens will seek revenge against Autriche on June 28 at 4:00 AM in Kansas City. The Austrians topped their European qualifying group.
This will be the second World Cup meeting between the two sides since June 21, 1982, a match that ended 2-0 in favor of Austria. Next summer’s encounter carries a vengeful tone, coming 43 years after the "El Molinón" scandal (the Disgrace of Gijón) involving the teammates of legend Lakhdar Belloumi. On that occasion, the Austrians and Germans allegedly colluded to ensure a result that eliminated Algeria following Hrubesch’s early goal.
