Algeria Extends Petković’s Contract Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has announced that it will extend the contract of national team head coach Vladimir Petkovic until 2028.

The federation confirmed the decision on Sunday, rewarding the Bosnian coach for the significant progress made by the Desert Foxes since he took charge in February 2024.

Petkovic had originally been contracted to remain with the side through the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the FAF has chosen to secure his services for an additional two years after an impressive run of results.

Under his leadership, Algeria have won 21 of their 28 matches, drawn four times and lost only three.

The former Switzerland coach also guided the Desert Foxes to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after the nation failed to reach the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Petkovic further restored Algeria’s competitiveness on the continental stage by leading the team to the quarter‑finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, ending successive group‑stage exits in the 2021 and 2023 editions.

His impact has also been reflected in the FIFA rankings, with Algeria climbing from 43rd to 28th in the world and improving from seventh to fourth among African nations during his tenure.

According to the FAF, the contract renewal demonstrates its commitment to “stability and confidence in the work accomplished” by Petkovic and his technical staff.

Algeria will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Argentina on 17 June before facing Jordan and Austria in their remaining Group J fixtures.