After 2026 World Cup elimination, Algerian players refuse to play under Petkovic

Algeria is eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the Round of 16, losing 2-0 to Switzerland in the night of Thursday to Friday, with goals from Breel Embolo (10th) and Dan Ndoye (46th). The defeat leaves behind an institutional crisis that threatens to destabilize the national team for the long term.

Captain Riyad Mahrez announced the end of his international career at the final whistle. “Last appearance even with the national team. That was my last match. It was a match within our reach. We concede two goals on errors, at this level you pay the price,” said the 35-year-old winger, who bows out after 120 caps and 40 goals. Aïssa Mandi, another key player for the team, also announced he is ending his international career.

But the crisis does not stop with the departures of these two players. According to journalist Mohammed Nedjari, several players — including at least two young internationals — reportedly intend not to answer call-ups as long as Vladimir Petkovic remains in position. Their identities have not been revealed.

The situation places the Algerian Football Federation in a particularly delicate position. Its president, Walid Sadi, had extended Petkovic’s contract until June 2028, with a salary increase included, just weeks before the tournament began — despite already numerous criticisms of the Swiss coach.

On the pitch, the Fennecs’ performance confirmed the doubts. Facing a Swiss team that seemed, on paper, within their reach, Petkovic’s men lacked inspiration and displayed prohibitive defensive gaps. Algeria thus fails to secure what would have been their first victory in a knockout match in a World Cup.