FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his appreciation on Monday for the Algerian national team and the performances it delivered during its participation in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
In a message posted on his official Instagram account, the FIFA president praised the spirit shown by the Algerian players throughout the tournament. He said the football world would never forget Algeria’s historic match against Austria, a result that helped the national team qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Infantino also highlighted Algeria’s remarkable comeback against Jordan, describing it as the first comeback of its kind in the country’s history at the World Cup. According to him, that match reflected the determination, courage and fighting spirit that have long characterized Algerian football.
“Throughout your journey, you embodied the spirit and determination of Algerian football in many wonderful moments,” Infantino said. He also encouraged the players and the Algerian football family to be proud of what they achieved and to continue working for the development of football in the country.
The message came after Algeria’s elimination from the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup against Switzerland. The national team had entered the knockout stage with high hopes, especially after its strong performances in previous matches.
Many supporters had expected Algeria to go further in the tournament, given the quality shown by the players and the momentum they had built during the group stage. However, the match against Switzerland ended in disappointment for Algerian fans.
The elimination also sparked debate around the tactical choices of national coach Vladimir Petković, particularly his decision to play the match without a traditional striker. For many observers, this approach limited Algeria’s attacking options at a decisive moment.
Despite the exit, Algeria’s campaign left a strong impression and confirmed the team’s ability to compete at a high international level.
