2026 World Cup - Algeria: Islam Slimani's outburst after elimination

The all-time top scorer for the Greens believes the national team still hasn't found its playing identity

Africa 03 July 2026 at 10:00

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2026 World Cup - Algeria: Islam Slimani's outburst after elimination

02.07.26 FT World Cup

Switzerland

Algeria

As a pundit for beIN Sports during this World Cup, Islam Slimani delivered a no-holds-barred analysis following Algeria's elimination at the hands of Switzerland.

The Fennecs' exit in the round of 32 did not go unnoticed on the beIN Sports set. Indeed, serving as a consultant for the channel throughout this World Cup, Islam Slimani gave a harsh assessment of Algeria's performance, arguing that the issues seen against Switzerland (2-0) have been present for much longer than just this match.

"The problem has been around for nearly two years"

"The problem the national team is suffering from has existed for nearly two years," began the all-time top scorer for the Greens.

For him, Vladimir Petkovic's constant changes prevent the team from finding stability:

"Every match, the lineup changes. Today, the coach went back to the same system used against Nigeria, and the result was the same."

A missing playing identity

However, Slimani believes the real issue goes beyond simply choosing between a traditional center-forward and a false nine:

"The problem isn't whether we play with a target man or a false nine, it's the absence of a clear identity. For nearly two years, we've seen the team alternate between the two systems without any real continuity."

The former international also questioned the squad's preparation:

"Have the players actually trained to play with a false nine? Because that system requires automatic moves, collective movement, and very specific mechanisms. If the team hasn't worked on it, then that's a real problem."

A team too reliant on individual brilliance

According to Slimani, the Greens now rely far too much on individual exploits:

"Very often, the only solution is to give the ball to Aït-Nouri and hope he finds a way through with his talent, or wait for a spark from Mahrez or Maza. But where is the team's identity? Where are the tactical sequences? Where is the style of play?"

He wrapped up with a pointed criticism:

"For two years, I haven't seen any real identity in this team. Even if we lose, it's not a problem if we do it with a clear style of play and a strong personality. Right now, most of our chances and goals come more from individual brilliance than any real collective effort."