Algeria sack coach Petkovic after 2026 World Cup exit
Synopsis
Algeria's World Cup return under Petkovic ended not in triumph but in a round-of-32 loss to his own former side, Switzerland — and now he's gone. With AFCON 2027 qualifying just weeks away, the FAF faces a race against the clock to appoint a successor capable of steadying a squad that has underperformed its continental reputation.
Key Takeaways
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed the departure of coach Vladimir Petkovic and his staff on 4 August by mutual agreement.
Petkovic spent 29 months in charge, having been appointed in March 2024 as successor to Djamel Belmadi .
His tenure's highlight was returning Algeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the side missed out in 2022.
Algeria were eliminated in the round of 32 , losing to Switzerland — Petkovic's former national team.
AFCON 2027 qualifying begins in September ; Algeria face Zambia , Togo , and Burundi in Group I.
Eric Chelle and Herve Renard are reportedly among the leading candidates to take over, according to media reports.
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) on 4 August confirmed the departure of national team head coach Vladimir Petkovic and his entire technical staff by mutual consent, ending a 29-month tenure that delivered a 2026 FIFA World Cup berth but concluded with a round-of-32 elimination. The split was formalised through a joint agreement between both parties.
What the Federation Said
In an official statement, the FAF acknowledged the outgoing coaching staff's conduct throughout the assignment. 'The Algerian Football Federation extends its sincere thanks to Vladimir Petkovic and all members of his staff for their professionalism, commitment, and dedication throughout their twenty-nine months at the helm of the national team's technical staff,' the federation said.
Petkovic's Tenure: Highs and a Costly Low
Petkovic, the former Switzerland and Lazio coach, was appointed in March 2024 as the successor to Djamel Belmadi. His most significant achievement was guiding the Desert Foxes back to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2022, when Algeria had missed qualification entirely. The federation had rewarded that accomplishment by extending his contract through 2028 shortly before the tournament began.
However, Algeria's World Cup campaign proved underwhelming. The side finished third in Group J and advanced to the knockout stage only as one of the best third-placed teams — before suffering a round-of-32 defeat to Switzerland, Petkovic's former national side, in a result that drew considerable scrutiny.
Immediate Pressure: AFCON 2027 Qualifying
The timing of the exit adds urgency to Algeria's rebuild. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is less than two years away, and Algeria is scheduled to begin its qualifying campaign in September. The federation has been drawn in Group I alongside Zambia, Togo, and Burundi, making an early appointment critical to maintaining continuity.
Who Could Replace Petkovic
According to media reports, two names have emerged as leading candidates. Eric Chelle, the current Nigeria head coach, and Herve Renard, who recently stepped down from his role with Tunisia, are reportedly being considered. The FAF is expected to move quickly on a replacement given the looming qualifier schedule.
Point of View
Beaten by his former team Switzerland in the round of 32, made his position untenable despite a contract that ran to 2028. The federation's decision to extend that deal before the tournament now looks premature. More pressingly, the timing exposes a structural vulnerability: Algeria has no continuity heading into AFCON 2027 qualifying, which begins in September. Whoever takes over inherits a squad with talent but a pattern of underachievement at the knockout stage — a problem that a change of coach alone will not solve.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Algeria part ways with Vladimir Petkovic?
The Algerian Football Federation and Petkovic ended their contractual relationship by mutual agreement following Algeria's disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, in which the side was eliminated in the round of 32 by Switzerland. The exit cast doubt over his future despite his contract having been extended through 2028 before the tournament.
What did Petkovic achieve as Algeria coach?
Petkovic guided Algeria back to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since the team missed qualification in 2022, which was his most significant achievement during his 29-month tenure. The side advanced to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams from Group J before losing to Switzerland.
Who are the leading candidates to replace Petkovic?
According to media reports, Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle and Herve Renard, who recently left his role with Tunisia, are among the frontrunners being considered by the Algerian Football Federation.
When does Algeria's next competitive fixture take place?
Algeria is scheduled to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign in September. They have been drawn in Group I alongside Zambia, Togo, and Burundi.
Who did Petkovic replace as Algeria head coach?
Petkovic was appointed in March 2024 as the successor to Djamel Belmadi, who had led Algeria to their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title before departing.
