Algeria have officially booked their place at the 2026 World Cup after a dominant 3–0 win over Somalia on Thursday night in Oran.
The Desert Foxes join Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt as the first four African nations to qualify for next year’s tournament, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Wolfsburg forward Mohamed Amoura opened the scoring just six minutes into the game, finishing off a superb cross from captain Riyad Mahrez. The skipper then doubled the lead midway through the first half, pouncing on a loose ball inside the box.
Mahrez continued to shine after the break, setting up Amoura for his second of the night to seal a comfortable victory. Confident qualification was secure, coach Vladimir Petkovic rested both stars shortly after.
“We wanted to finish strong and make a statement,” Petkovic said. “The team showed great discipline and hunger—it’s what makes this group special.”
The game also drew attention because of goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane. The 26-year-old, who now represents Algeria after switching allegiance from France, was named on the bench as Alexis Guendouz started in goal.
With the result, Algeria sit comfortably atop Group G with 22 points—four clear of Uganda—with one match left. This qualification marks their fifth World Cup appearance, following tournaments in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014, where they famously reached the round of 16 before falling to eventual champions Germany.
Elsewhere, in Bujumbura, Kenya edged Burundi 1–0 in a tense East African clash. Ryan Ogam scored the decisive goal in the 73rd minute after Burundi had been reduced to ten men early in the game.
The hosts’ Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on goalkeeper Brian Okoth, who was replaced by Bryne Odhiambo. The fiery match saw tempers flare, but Kenya’s persistence eventually paid off when Ogam struck late to secure all three points.
Kenya’s win lifts them to third in Group F, eight points behind Ivory Coast, who narrowly lead Gabon. Both teams are in action on Friday as Ivory Coast face Seychelles in Mauritius and Gabon travel to Nairobi to meet Gambia. A win for the Ivorians—combined with dropped points for Gabon—would confirm their place at the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Group C remains wide open, with Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Lesotho all still in contention. Benin lead on goal difference ahead of South Africa, while Nigeria and Rwanda trail closely behind.
In a surprising twist, FIFA recently overturned Lesotho’s 2–0 loss to South Africa from March, awarding Lesotho a 3–0 victory after Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player. The drama in Group C is far from over, and the race for the final World Cup spots is heating up fast.
