Algeria claimed a surprise 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Rotterdam on Wednesday night after Anis Hadj Moussa struck four minutes from time in a World Cup warm-up match. The Feyenoord winger scored at his home ground, De Kuip, to hand the North Africans a valuable result before they head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The result ended the Netherlands’ unbeaten World Cup qualifying run and delivered an uncomfortable reminder that Ronald Koeman’s side still have work to do before their tournament opener against Japan on 14 June. The Dutch federation has publicly targeted a semi-final place, but Algeria exposed several weaknesses in Rotterdam.
The scoreline did not reflect the balance of chances during the opening hour. The Netherlands created opportunities through Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen and their attacking midfielders, but they failed to convert. Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders all featured as Koeman rotated heavily throughout the match.
Algeria improved after the break. Vladimir Petkovic introduced fresh legs and his side began to press higher up the pitch. The visitors carried greater threat in transition and forced the Dutch defence to retreat more often during the second half.
The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute. Hadj Moussa collected possession on the right flank, cut inside and curled a powerful strike into the far corner. The goal marked his first for Algeria and came at the stadium where he plays club football for Feyenoord.
Another key figure for Algeria was goalkeeper Luca Zidane. The Granada keeper wore a protective mask after facial injuries suffered earlier this year and produced several important saves. Questions had surrounded Algeria’s goalkeeping position in recent months, but Zidane delivered one of his strongest international displays.
Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk admitted his team’s finishing let them down.
“We should have been at least 2-0 up. Hopefully, our sharpness will return quickly and we’ll finish our chances properly from now on. It’s positive that most of the players got some playing time, but of course we don’t play to lose.”
The defeat arrives at an awkward moment for the Netherlands. They fly to New York before a final friendly against Uzbekistan and then open their World Cup campaign against Japan in Dallas.
For Algeria, the result provides confidence before a demanding Group J campaign. Petkovic’s squad will face defending champions Argentina national football team in Kansas City on 16 June after one final warm-up match against Bolivia. The victory over one of Europe’s strongest sides suggests Algeria could prove far tougher opponents than many expected.
