Desert Foxes begin new era following World Cup campaign
Mutual agreement
Algeria have parted ways with head coach Vladimir Petković by mutual agreement, just weeks after the national team’s World Cup campaign.
The 62-year-old leaves despite signing a contract extension before the tournament.
Petković’s record
Petković was appointed in 2024 and won 23 of his 33 matches in charge. He also guided Algeria to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and ended the country’s 12-year wait for a World Cup appearance.
World Cup exit
The Desert Foxes reached the knockout stage for only the second time in their history before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland, ending their campaign.
Mahrez also retires
The coaching change comes as Algeria prepares to move forward without captain Riyad Mahrez, who has announced his retirement from international football.
Mahrez leaves after earning 119 caps and scoring 40 goals for the national team.
Next challenge
Attention now turns to September, when Algeria will begin qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as the team prepares for a new chapter.
