Petkovic extended until 2028: Algeria bets on stability before World Cup

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) officially confirmed on Saturday the extension of Vladimir Petkovic’s contract until July 31, 2028, adding two more years leading the Fennecs — and this comes just ten days before Algeria’s first World Cup match against Argentina.

The decision comes before Algeria has even played a single match in the competition, a strong signal of the federation’s assumed confidence in its head coach. “Appointed to lead the national team on February 29, 2024, the Swiss tactician has recorded remarkable results since his arrival,” the FAF stated in its statement, adding that it “is pleased with this continuity at the head of the national selection, synonymous with stability and ambition for the next international competitions”.

Petkovic had been called in to revive a selection reeling from its elimination in the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire, which had cost his predecessor Djamel Belmadi his job. The former Bordeaux manager has since built an impressive record: 21 wins, 4 draws and only 3 defeats since taking office.

It is in this context that Riyad Mahrez and his teammates will enter the 2026 World Cup, with the certainty that their head coach will still be in place regardless of the competition’s outcome. A rare stability in international football, and an assumed gamble by the FAF for the long term.