Riyad Mahrez delivered a masterclass performance as Algeria sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3–0 victory over Somalia, becoming the fourth African nation to book their ticket to football’s biggest stage. The victory, played in the Algerian coastal city of Oran, confirmed the Desert Foxes’ return to the global tournament for the first time since 2014.
The former Manchester City and Leicester City winger led from the front, assisting, scoring, and orchestrating play with effortless brilliance. Mahrez set the tone early with a perfectly weighted cross that found Mohamed Amoura, who volleyed home to give Algeria an early lead. Just minutes later, Mahrez doubled the advantage with a stunning half-volley that left the Somali goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
In the second half, the Algerian captain once again showcased his creativity, gliding past defenders before teeing up Amoura for his second goal and Algeria’s third of the night. Both players were substituted shortly after, with the game already well beyond Somalia’s reach. Youcef Belaili nearly made it four with a curling effort that hit the crossbar, and as the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted in celebration, echoing the pride of a nation returning to the global stage.
Although this fixture was technically a home match for Somalia, it was held in Algeria due to the Ocean Stars’ lack of a FIFA-approved stadium. Despite the venue disadvantage, Somalia fought hard but struggled to contain the fluid, attacking rhythm of Vladimir Petkovic’s men.
Algeria’s qualification sees them join fellow North African powerhouses Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt as Africa’s early entrants to the 2026 World Cup in North and Central America. The achievement marks a triumphant return for the Desert Foxes, who last made headlines at the 2014 World Cup, where they narrowly lost to eventual champions Germany in the Round of 16.
The match also marked the first international call-up for Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane. The 27-year-old goalkeeper, whose grandparents were born in Algeria, recently switched his international allegiance from France to Algeria but remained on the bench during the fixture. “All my family are proud of me and back my choice. My grandfather is happy that I’ve made this decision,” Zidane said before the game, reflecting the pride shared by Algerians worldwide.
Meanwhile, Uganda strengthened their hopes of a playoff spot after a 1–0 win over Botswana, courtesy of Jude Ssemugabi’s header. The result places Uganda second in Group G behind Algeria, three points clear of Mozambique, who suffered a 2–1 defeat at home to Guinea. With one game remaining, Uganda’s superior goal difference puts them in a strong position to challenge for a playoff berth when they face Algeria in the group finale.
Elsewhere in Group H, Liberia reignited their qualification hopes with a 3–1 win over Namibia, while Equatorial Guinea’s campaign was thrown into turmoil after their coach Juan Micha was suspended for refusing to travel for a postponed fixture against Malawi.
As Africa’s qualifying campaign nears its conclusion, Algeria’s dominant display serves as a reminder of their continental pedigree and resurgence under Petkovic’s leadership. With Mahrez at the heart of their revival, the Desert Foxes look poised not only to represent Africa proudly but to make a deep run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a stage where their golden generation will once again have the chance to shine.
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