Algeria became the fourth African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday after a commanding 3-0 win over Somalia, securing top spot in Group G with one game to spare.
The result takes Algeria to an unassailable 22 points and guarantees their fifth appearance at a World Cup finals, and their first since Brazil in 2014. They now join Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt as Africa’s confirmed qualifiers for next year’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Mohamed Amoura was the standout performer, scoring twice to take his tally in the qualifying campaign to eight goals. Captain Riyad Mahrez added a goal and provided two assists in a dominant display.
Amoura opened the scoring in the seventh minute, finishing at the back post after Baghdad Bounedjah missed a Mahrez cross. Mahrez then got on the scoresheet himself 12 minutes later, before turning provider once more for Amoura’s second goal in the 57th minute.
Although the fixture was officially a home match for Somalia, it was played in Oran due to the lack of a suitable stadium in the East African nation. The switch allowed Algeria to effectively enjoy a home crowd advantage, with thousands celebrating at a packed Stade Miloud Hadefi.
The top team from each of the nine African qualifying groups will earn automatic entry to the expanded 48-team World Cup. The final group fixtures will be played in the coming weeks.
