Algeria vs Botswana: date, time and TV channel for the match (2026 World Cup Qualifiers)

On March 18, the Algerian national team departed the country late in the evening to head south to Africa, specifically to the city of Francistown, the second largest city in Botswana after the capital Gaborone.

The Minister of Sports, Walid Sadi, as well as the president of the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), were present at Algiers International Airport to see off the players and the team officials.

Youcef Belaïli's teammates will face the team of Botswana on Friday, March 21, and then take on Mozambique on March 25, as part of the fifth and sixth rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Fennecs are expected to encounter numerous challenges in their match against Botswana for various reasons, including the match timing during the holy month of Ramadan, which will begin at 1 PM GMT (3 PM local time in Algeria) during the fasting period. Furthermore, the stadium for the encounter does not fully comply with CAF standards and regulations.

Algeria's group standings in the World Cup qualifiers

Currently, the team led by Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic sits at the top of Group 7 with 9 points, ahead of Mozambique, their closest rival, thanks to goal difference. The teams of Botswana, Uganda, and Guinea occupy the third, fourth, and fifth places respectively, each with 6 points. Finally, Somalia trails with no points.

Group 7 standings:

1. Algeria: 9 points
2. Mozambique: 9 points
3. Guinea: 6 points
4. Uganda: 6 points
5. Botswana: 6 points
6. Somalia: 0 points

Channels broadcasting the Botswana vs Algeria match

This will be the third encounter in the history of clashes between Algeria and Botswana, and the match will be broadcast live on beIN Sports, as well as on the Saudi SSC channels, which hold the broadcasting rights for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Africa.

Also read: Not called up by Petkovic, Bounedjah responds with class!

Mohamed Rek |

Editorfr, ar, en

Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.