Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Niger and Algeria go head to head at Stade General Seyni Kountche in a David-vs-Goliath clash. Algeria rolled over Niger 6-1 in Blida four days ago, with Man City ace Riyad Mahrez scoring a brace. Islam Slimani, who scored two goals as a substitute in the last group game, is pushing for a start, while Galatasaray midfielder Sofiane Feghouli should keep his place in the starting XI.
Algeria aim to cement top position in Group A, and seeing that Burkina Faso are breathing down their neck, we are tempted to put our money on the Desert Warriors. Niger have slim chances of booking their place at the 2022 World Cup finals, and given their shaky defence, the underdogs are unlikely to grab something from Tuesday’s football match. To make things even worse for the hosts, defender Mahamadou Souley limped off with injury in the 6-1 defeat to Algeria.
Highlighted Player (Youcef Atal):
The Boghni born Algerian started playing football at the age of ten when he joined CR Belouizdinad's youth academy in 2006. His decade long youth career saw him feature for other more Algerian teams before signing a professional contract with the last one, namely Paradou AC, in 2015.
Atal, who predominantly plays as a right-back, made his first professional appearance on the 9th of January 2016, playing in Paradou's 3-0 over CR Beni Thour in the Coupe d'Algerie. His performances during his 17/18 loan spell at Belgian Club Kortrijk earned him a move to France with OGC Nice in 2018.
At Nice, the 23-year-old has become a valuable first-team player and is on a five-year contract expiring in 2023. On the International stage, Atal has capped 14 times for Algeria, making his debut on the 6th of June, 2017, in a friendly against Guinea.
Highlighted Team (Algeria):
The Algeria national football team was established in 1962 as they were not allowed to play international games under French Rule. El Khadra (the Greens) or the Desert Warriors participated at the World Cup finals four times and they recorded their best result at the major tournament in 2014 (Brazil), making it to the last 16.
The Algerians were producing outstanding displays under Vahid Halilhodzic, but despite making life difficult for star-studded Germany in the knockout stages of the showpiece tournament, the African team eventually failed to book their place in the World Cup quarter-finals. Algeria play their home games in white shirts and white shorts, while the colour of the team’s away kit is green.
The Desert Warriors impressed at the 1990 African Cup of Nations, with the team defeating Nigeria in the final of the tournament. It has to be noted, though, that Algeria hosted the tournament. The Algerians have been playing their home matches at Stade Mustapha Tchaker since 2006 and Stade 5 Juillet 1962 was regarded as the team’s home stadium before 2006.