After the departure of Djamel Belmadi following the elimination in the first round of the recent African Cup of Nations, the Algerian Football Federation appointed Vladimir Petkovic this Thursday to lead the Fennecs.
The former coach of the Girondins de Bordeaux (2021-2022) will have the difficult task of bringing Algeria back to the World Cup after a last appearance in 2014.
“Vladimir Petkovic is the new national coach.
The new coach will arrive in Algiers this Sunday and will host a press conference on Monday,” the FAF said in a press release.
Winner of CAN 2019, Djamel Belmadi has exhausted his credit in the eyes of his federation after two eliminations in the first round in 2022 and 2024. His successor arrives with experience at the head of a national selection.
The former coach of Switzerland (2014-2021), managed to bring the Nati to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020. In an incredible match, the Swiss eliminated the France team on penalties (3-3 , 5-4 tab).
Algeria has a pool of talent with a new generation: the former Lyonnais Houssem Aouar, the Niçois Hicham Boudaoui or the Union Saint-Gilloise striker Mohammed Amoura.
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Petkovic's next meetings with the Fennecs will be March 22 against Bolivia and March 26 in South Africa.
In July, Algeria will have to confirm its good start to the campaign for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.