Algeria
Algeria arrive as one of Africa's most talented squads under former Switzerland boss Vladimir Petković. Mahrez — who won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League with Manchester City — remains their captain and creative inspiration. Atal provides directness from wide areas; Bensebaini brings Bundesliga quality in defence. The Fennec Foxes have genuine knockout round ambitions.
At a Glance
Key Players
Coach: Vladimir Petković
Tactical Analysis
An attacking 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 with Mahrez as the creative and leadership fulcrum. Quick transitions and direct forward play suit their personnel; Atal's pace from right-back provides an additional attacking dimension.
Betting Angle
Algeria's talent is regularly underpriced given their African football context — their group stage exit odds may underestimate their quality when Mahrez and Atal are fit and firing.
Did You Know?
- Algeria won the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in dominant fashion, going the entire tournament unbeaten.
- Riyad Mahrez won every major honour at Manchester City before moving to Saudi Arabia, including the 2023 Champions League.
- Algeria's 1982 World Cup qualification upset of West Germany is one of the competition's most celebrated upsets — the team has a proud tournament history.