World Cup qualifiers: Algeria thrashes Somalia 3-0 and books its ticket to the World Cup! | OneFootball

Algeria crushes Somalia and flies to the 2026 World Cup!

World Cup qualifiers: Algeria thrashes Somalia 3-0 and books its ticket to the World Cup!

It's now official: Algeria will indeed play in the 2026 World Cup. After missing out on the last two editions in 2018 in Russia and 2022 in Qatar, Vladimir Petkovic's men have secured their spot in the most prestigious international competition thanks to a resounding victory over Somalia (3-0) at Oran's Miloud Hadefi Stadium. In a pulsating atmosphere, the Fennecs delivered a commanding performance, highlighted by the efficiency and flair of their key players.

Driven by a fired-up Riyad Mahrez, determined to silence his critics after the last international break, the Greens quickly took control of the match. In just the 6th minute, the Algerian captain whipped in a perfect cross to the far post for Mohamed Amoura, who finished with clinical precision. The Union Saint-Gilloise striker, Algeria's top scorer in these qualifiers, once again confirmed his breakout status. Fifteen minutes later, Mahrez turned scorer: meeting a pinpoint cross from Hadjam, he rifled the ball into the top corner to double the lead before halftime.

Amoura doubles up and seals qualification

After the break, Algeria maintained its stranglehold on the contest. Still pressing high, the Greens suffocated an overwhelmed Somali defense and created chance after chance. On another flash of brilliance from Mahrez, who dazzled with a series of dribbles and feints, a pinpoint cross swept through the box and again found Amoura, who converted with a powerful low drive to notch his brace and push the score to 3-0.Amoura exited to a well-deserved standing ovation, making way for Ibrahim Maza, a symbol of a promising new generation. In the final minutes, Algeria calmly managed its lead while still pushing forward, though unable to find a fourth goal. The essential was accomplished: qualification for the World Cup is now official and historic.

Mahrez delivers reassurance ahead of AFCON 2025

With two assists and a goal, Riyad Mahrez was undoubtedly the man of the match. Dynamic, daring, and decisive, the captain regained his full influence, reassuring Algerian fans about his form just months before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. This masterclass epitomizes the rebirth of the Greens, determined to shine again on both the continental and world stage.The next appointment is already set: next Tuesday in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria will play its final qualifying match in a festive atmosphere. Already through, Petkovic is expected to rotate his squad to give playing time to substitutes and fine-tune his choices ahead of the major challenges to come. The World Cup dream, long awaited, is finally a reality for an entire nation.