Algeria extend contract of head coach Vladimir Petkovic ahead of World Cup opener

The Bosnia mentor's previous deal was due to expire after the global tournament, but the Algeria Football Federation has moved to secure his future after a strong turnaround since his appointment in February 2024.

Under Petkovic, Algeria have recorded 21 wins, four draws and three defeats in 28 matches, a run which qualification for the 2026 World Cup and an improved showing at the Africa Cup of Nations, where the Desert Foxes reached the quarter-finals after group-stage exits in 2021 and 2023.

The north African country have also climbed in the FIFA rankings during his tenure, moving from 43rd to 28th in the world and from seventh to fourth on the continent.

The Desert Foxes beat the Netherlands 1-0 in a friendly in Rotterdam and will face Bolivia on Wednesday in a final warm-up ahead of the showpiece event.

Algeria will open their World Cup Group J campaign against defending champions Argentina at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, before facing Jordan and Austria.

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