2026 World Cup: Algeria failed to register a single shot on target, a first in 4 appearances

16.06.26 FT World Cup

Argentina

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Algeria

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Algeria collapsed against Argentina 3-0 in the early hours of Wednesday in Group J of the World Cup. The Fennecs failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match.

World Cup 2026: The official and complete group stage schedule

This is a first for the Fennecs, who were playing their 14th match in the finals. In their previous four appearances in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014, the Greens always did better and often displayed a much more threatening attack.

Another telling statistic showing the struggles of Amine Gouiri’s teammates against the Albiceleste: they attempted only 7 shots, their second-lowest tally in the tournament behind the match against Belgium in 2014 (3).

These numbers highlight just how much Vladimir Petkovic’s men were stifled in this match against the Argentine world champions. They were, in fact, punished by Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick for his 200th appearance in the Sky Blue and White shirt.

Yet, the Bosnian coach fielded his usual side in an attacking 4-3-3 formation and did not play defensively. Anis Hadj Moussa, Amine Gouiri, Fares Chaibi, and Ibrahim Maza failed to pose any real threat.

The introduction of Mohamed Amine Amoura, Adel Boulbina, Houssem Aouar, and even veteran Riyad Mahrez changed nothing in the second half, as they could not trouble Emiliano Martinez.

This trend was confirmed by the choice of full-backs Rafik Belghali and Rayan Ait-Nouri, both known for supporting the attack, but they found little space against the world champions.

Algeria’s World Cup journey

The Fennecs have qualified for the World Cup four times: in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014 in Brazil, where they made history by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time.

Here is the full record of Algeria in the finals:

1982 World Cup

• 16/06/1982 – group stage: Algeria – Germany (1-2)

• 21/06/1982 – group stage: Algeria – Austria (0-2)

• 24/06/1982 – group stage: Algeria – Chile (3-2)

1986 World Cup

• 03/06/1986 – group stage: Algeria – Northern Ireland (1-1)

• 06/06/1986 – group stage: Algeria – Brazil (1-0)

• 12/06/1986 – group stage: Algeria – Spain (0-3)

2010 World Cup

• 13/06/2010 – group stage: Algeria – Slovenia (0-1)

• 18/06/2010 – group stage: Algeria – England (0-0)

• 23/06/2010 – group stage: Algeria – United States (1-0)

2014 World Cup

• 17/06/2014 – group stage: Algeria – Belgium (2-1)

• 22/06/2014 – group stage: Algeria – South Korea (2-4)

• 26/06/2014 – group stage: Algeria – Russia (1-1)

• 30/06/2014 – round of 16: Algeria – Germany (2-1 a.e.t.)

2026 World Cup

• 17/06/2026 – group stage: Algeria – Argentina (3-0)

The Algerians now face two crucial matches against Jordan (June 23) and Austria (June 28) if they hope to reach the knockout stage for a second time.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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