Country profile
Algeria
People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
Key facts
Capital
Algiers
Population
44,900,000
Confederation
CAF
FIFA code
ALG
Overview
Algeria, the largest country in Africa by land area, stretches from the sun-baked Mediterranean coast deep into the vast Sahara Desert. A nation of proud Berber and Arab heritage shaped by its hard-won independence, football is woven into the fabric of daily life.
From the bustling streets of Algiers to the dusty pitches of the south, the game is a unifying national passion, and the Desert Foxes carry the hopes of both a home population and a huge, fervent diaspora across France and Europe.
Football culture
Football is Algeria's undisputed national obsession, with packed cafés and roaring crowds whenever the national team plays. The diaspora connection means many top stars are dual-nationals raised in French academies. Local clubs like MC Alger and CR Belouizdad command fierce, colourful followings.
World Cup history
Algeria first stunned the world by beating West Germany in 1982, only to fall victim to the infamous 'Disgrace of Gijón.' Their finest hour came in 2014, reaching the last 16 and pushing eventual champions Germany to extra time. They missed out on the 2018 and 2022 editions, making 2026 a chance for redemption.
Location
Did you know
- Algeria is the largest country in Africa and the Arab world by area.
- The 1982 win over West Germany ranks among the World Cup's greatest shocks.
- Most squad members were born or developed in France.
- Riyad Mahrez won the Premier League title twice with Leicester and Manchester City.
- The Sahara covers more than four-fifths of Algerian territory.
From Wikipedia
Algeria, officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Spanning over 2,381,741 square kilometres (919,595 sq mi), it is the largest country in Africa and the tenth largest in the world. It is bordered to the northeast by Tunisia; to the east by Libya; to the…
Source: Wikipedia →