Algerian Radio
The Minister of Sports, Mr. Walid Sadi, stated on Sunday in Algiers that the reception hosted by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, for the National Football Team, which will participate in the 2026 World Cup, constitutes a precious source of motivation for the players. He emphasized that all conditions have been met to allow the national team to achieve a great run in this global event.
In a statement to the press on the sidelines of the reception held by the President of the Republic for the players before their departure for the World Cup, Mr. Sadi specified that this meeting constitutes "a precious source of motivation encouraging the Algerian internationals to achieve the best possible performances."
After recalling that the President of the Republic has always "provided his support to the national team, of which he is the number one supporter," the minister highlighted that the players are "fully aware of the responsibility that awaits them," assuring that "all conditions are met to enable the team to achieve good results."
Welcoming the stability the national team is currently experiencing, which has largely contributed to the positive results recorded in recent months, he highlighted the strategy adopted by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and the national head coach, Vladimir Petkovic, who has "brought a real added value on a technical level."
In this regard, the minister mentioned the decision taken during the last FAF meeting to extend the national coach's contract.
National Team Players: The President's Support Motivates Us to Achieve a Great World Cup
For his part, the captain of the National Team, Riyad Mahrez, praised the reception held for the players by the President of the Republic, emphasizing that it is "a great honor for the entire group."
"We are ready for this major competition. With God's help, we will do everything to make the Algerian people, who constantly support us, proud," he stated.
Yacine Titraoui also affirmed that "it is an immense honor for all the players to be received by the President of the Republic." "We are aware of the responsibility that awaits us, and we will do our utmost to rise to the occasion and proudly defend the national colors," he declared.
For his part, Adil Boulbina stressed that the support of the President of the Republic is "a source of motivation that encourages us to approach this competition with determination to bring joy to the Algerian people and honor national football."
Midfielder Nabil Bentaleb, meanwhile, stated: "With this support from the President of the Republic, we are more determined than ever to give the best of ourselves to honor the national flag."
Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic for this reception and for the trust placed in the National Team.
His teammate Oussama Benbot echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the President's encouragement constitutes a strong source of motivation.
"We will do everything possible to achieve our goals and obtain results that will make Algeria proud," he promised.
Ibrahim Maza also made a point of thanking the President of the Republic for this generous reception, underlining the determination of all the players to represent Algeria with dignity during this World Cup.
As a reminder, the 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States of America, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
