Algiers – Noureddine Quraishi, a prominent figure in Algerian football history, believes the 2026 World Cup draw presents a golden opportunity for the national team, Les Fennecs, to recreate the spirit of their iconic 1982 campaign. He views the group, which includes Argentina, Austria, and Jordan, as more of an opportunity than a threat, provided the team approaches each match with a realistic mindset and calculated enthusiasm.
Quraishi, who participated in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups and served on the coaching staff in 2014, emphasizes that the current draw evokes memories of that era when the ‘Desert Warriors’ shone against global football powerhouses.
Austria: A Match Laden with History
Quraishi highlights the symbolic significance of starting the campaign against Austria, describing it as a ‘game to settle an old score.’ He asserts that a victory in this encounter would provide a significant morale boost, emphasizing that unwavering focus from the outset is crucial to overcome an opponent well-known to Algerians since the infamous ‘pre-arranged agreement’ incident of 1982. He openly expresses his desire for a resounding victory over Austria, deeming it a ‘long-awaited moral response after four decades.’
Argentina: A Big Name, Vulnerable Form
Regarding the match against Argentina, Quraishi draws a parallel to Algeria’s encounter with West Germany in 1982. He suggests that the Argentine team is currently experiencing a decline, with key players aging, making an upset a distinct possibility. Concerning Lionel Messi, Quraishi acknowledges that his influence is ‘no longer as intimidating as it once was,’ but stresses that any complacency could prove costly, necessitating respectful but not overly fearful approach.
Jordan: Echoes of the Chile Game
Quraishi also notes the match against Jordan, considering it somewhat similar to the scenario of the 1982 match against Chile, where the Algerian team was performing at its peak before external results impacted their progress.
