Algeria

Known as the Desert Foxes, Algeria is one of North Africa’s most respected football teams. They’ve qualified for the World Cup on four occasions and reach the round of 16 as best. They've won the Africa Cup of Nations two times (1990 and 2019), along with other appearances in the top four. Their traditional rivals include other North African teams, such as Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia.

Algeria in their group match against Tunisia in the AFCON 2013.

History

FLN and independence

A few years prior to the country gaining its independence, an Algerian nationalist movement named FLN decided to use football for its cause. In 1958, the FLN formed an unofficial national team composed mostly of professional footballers playing in France. The primary purpose of this team was psychological, as the FLN wanted to show that even professional footballers were willing to support the country’s independence despite their status being renounced.

This FLN team played approximately 80 friendly matches in the coming years, touring all over the world. In 1962, Algeria gained its independence, and the FLN was succeeded by an official national team. The following year, Algeria was recognized by FIFA. In their first official game, Algeria defeated Bulgaria 2-1 on January 6th, 1963. Their tournament debut arrived at the 1968 AFCON, where they failed to advance from their group.

The road to success

After a fairly disheartening period of about 15 years, Algeria started establishing itself as a North African powerhouse. From 1980 onward, Algeria became a regular participant at the AFCON (CAF Africa Cup of Nations). During the following decade, they reached the top 4 in four out of five tournaments, though the trophy was still proving elusive. On two of these occasions, their run was stopped by Nigeria, creating a foundation for another fierce rivalry.

This era also saw Algeria make its first appearance at the World Cup in 1982. In their opener, the Desert Foxes shocked eventual finalists West Germany 2-1. They also defeated Chile 3-2, but a 0-2 loss to Austria made things complicated. In the final round, West Germany defeated Austria 1-0 -- the exact score that allowed both European teams to advance. The match was highly controversial, with neither team showing interest in scoring after the goal.

In 1986, Algeria returned to the World Cup to disappointing results. This time around, a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland and two losses to Brazil and Spain led to a quick first-round elimination. However, the experience from the tournament helped Algeria claim its first major title by winning the 1990 AFCON on home soil. They also managed to get revenge on Nigeria by beating them both in the group stage and the finals.

Downs and ups

Following this successful era, Algeria entered an unstable period in the early ‘90s. With the Civil War raging through the country, the team struggled to focus on what was happening on the pitch. This was the beginning of a steep decline in Algerian football, and the country didn’t make a comeback until another top 4 appearance at the 2010 AFCON. That same year, they participated in their third World Cup, but ended up getting eliminated in the first round.

In 2014, the Desert Foxes finally managed to make it past the group stage in the World Cup. In the round of 16, they held eventual champions Germany to a goalless draw, but were eventually defeated in extra time. Most of this squad returned for the 2019 AFCON, with Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani leading the charge. They ended up winning the tournament in dominating fashion, winning all seven of their games on the way to their second AFCON title.

FIFA World Cup results

Algeria has participated four times in the World Cup (FIFA World Cup qualification not included).

Algeria's performances in the World Cup

Year	Result
2022	Not qualified
2018	Not qualified
2014	Round of 16
2010	Group Stage
2006	Not qualified
2002	Not qualified
1998	Not qualified
1994	Not qualified
1990	Not qualified
1986	Group Stage
1982	Group Stage
1978	Not qualified
1974	Not qualified
1970	Not qualified
1966	Withdrew
1962	Did not participate
1958	Did not participate
1954	Did not participate
1950	Did not participate
1938	Did not participate
1934	Did not participate
1930	Did not participate*

* Algeria was part of France until 1962.

By Martin Wahl

References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algeria_national_football_team
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algeria_at_the_FIFA_World_Cup
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algeria_at_the_Africa_Cup_of_Nations
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-38488060
Image source:
Magharebia