CAF · Africa
Algeria
Les Fennecs — Desert Foxes
Algeria — the Desert Foxes — are one of Africa's most celebrated football nations. From a legendary upset of West Germany in 1982 to AFCON glory in 2019, Les Fennecs combine fierce passion with world-class talent and a fighting spirit that never gives up.
🎵Hello, I am Lin!
Hello, I am Lin! Algeria totally amazed me — the passion of the fans is incredible. When Algeria beat West Germany at the 1982 World Cup, it changed African football forever. And watching Riyad Mahrez lift the AFCON trophy in 2019 was one of the greatest moments I have ever seen!
Quick Facts
FAF Founded
1962 — Fédération Algérienne de Football
FIFA Member Since
1963 — CAF confederation member
Registered Male Players
Approximately 600,000 registered players
Registered Female Players
Growing rapidly — women's programme expanding
Biggest Stadium
Stade Nelson Mandela — capacity 40,000 in Baraki
Best FIFA Ranking
14th — achieved in 2014 after World Cup R16 run
Discover Algeria
Algeria is the largest country in Africa and the tenth largest in the world, stretching from the Mediterranean coast in the north to the vast Sahara Desert that covers more than 80% of its territory. The Tell Atlas and Saharan Atlas mountain ranges divide the fertile northern coastal region from the immense desert interior. The capital, Algiers, sits on the Mediterranean coast and is home to over 3 million people.
Algeria is one of Africa's most important energy producers, with vast reserves of oil and natural gas that form the backbone of its economy. The country is a major supplier of natural gas to Europe via pipelines that run under the Mediterranean. Algeria also has significant mineral wealth and a growing agricultural sector in its fertile northern regions, producing wheat, barley, olives, and citrus fruits.
With a population of over 45 million people, Algeria is a deeply diverse nation. The majority of Algerians are Arab-Berber in heritage, and the Tamazight (Berber) language was recognised as an official national language alongside Arabic in 2016. Algeria has a rich history stretching back thousands of years — from ancient Berber kingdoms and Roman settlements to the Ottoman era and a long French colonial period that ended with independence in 1962.
Map of Algeria
🌍 Where in the World
Flag of Algeria
Algeria's flag features two equal vertical bands — green on the left and white on the right — with a red crescent and red star at the centre. The green represents Islam, the white symbolises peace, and the red crescent and star are symbols of the Islamic faith.
⚽ The History of Football in Algeria
Football arrived in Algeria during the French colonial era in the late 19th century. The game grew quickly in the cities, and by the mid-20th century, Algerian players were a significant presence in French football. Several Algerian-born players represented France, but the nation's independence in 1962 opened a new chapter — Algeria's own football story was about to begin.
The Fédération Algérienne de Football was founded in 1962, the same year Algeria gained independence. The national team qualified for their first FIFA World Cup in 1982, and immediately produced one of the tournament's most memorable moments — defeating West Germany 2–1 in the opening round, becoming the first African team to beat a European powerhouse at a World Cup. The win shook the football world.
Algeria returned to the World Cup in 2010 and again in 2014, when their performances captured global attention. They defeated South Korea, drew with Russia, and faced Germany in the Round of 16, losing only 2–1 after extra time in one of the tournament's finest games. Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and their teammates played with skill, pace, and determination.
The greatest moment came in 2019 at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. Algeria, inspired by Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, were unbeaten throughout the tournament and defeated Senegal 1–0 in the final to claim their second AFCON title. The celebrations across Algeria and in Algerian communities worldwide were extraordinary — a nation united by football.
Key Results
- 1982Group stage — historic win vs West Germany
- 1986Group stage — Mexico
- 2010Group stage — South Africa
- 2014Round of 16 — Brazil (lost to Germany 2-1 aet)
1982
The year Algeria shocked West Germany 2–1 — one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
✨ Did You Know?
The Disgrace of Gijón
After Algeria beat West Germany in 1982, West Germany and Austria played a suspicious match where a 1–0 win for Germany eliminated Algeria. FIFA later changed the rules so final group games must be played simultaneously.
Unbeaten AFCON Champions
Algeria went unbeaten throughout the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations — the first team in AFCON history to win every single match of the tournament. Riyad Mahrez was named Player of the Tournament.
A Nation of Diaspora Stars
Many of Algeria's best players were born in France and chose to represent the Desert Foxes. Players like Zinedine Zidane were eligible but chose France, while Mahrez, Slimani and others proudly wear the green and white.
🌟 Famous Players
Algeria has produced some of Africa's most talented footballers — players who have shone at World Cups and won major trophies across Europe.
Rabah Madjer
1978–1993One of Algeria's all-time greats and scorer in the 1982 WC win over West Germany. Won the European Cup with Porto in 1987, scoring a famous backheel goal in the final. Named African Player of the Year 1987.
Lakhdar Belloumi
1977–1990The creative genius of Algeria's 1982 World Cup team and African Player of the Year in 1981. Scored the winning goal against West Germany in that historic upset. A true legend of Algerian football.
Islam Slimani
2012–2022Algeria's all-time top scorer. A powerful and intelligent striker who played for Sporting CP, Leicester City, Monaco, and several other European clubs. AFCON champion in 2019 and a key figure in the 2014 World Cup.
Riyad Mahrez
2014–2024Manchester City winger and Premier League champion in 2019. Led Algeria to the 2019 AFCON title and was named Player of the Tournament. One of the most skillful and exciting wingers of his generation.
Sofiane Feghouli
2011–2022A technically gifted attacking midfielder who played for Valencia, West Ham, and Galatasaray. A key player in the 2014 World Cup and a consistent performer for Algeria over more than a decade.
📰 Recent Events
AFCON Winners — Egypt
Algeria went unbeaten through the tournament and beat Senegal 1–0 in the final. Riyad Mahrez was named Player of the Tournament as the Desert Foxes claimed their second AFCON title.
FIFA World Cup Qualification Heartbreak
Algeria narrowly missed the 2022 World Cup after a playoff loss to Cameroon in controversial circumstances. The result sparked huge national debate and a period of rebuilding for the team.
AFCON 2023 Campaign
Algeria competed at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, continuing to build towards their next major tournament. A new generation of players is emerging to carry forward the Desert Foxes' proud tradition.
FIFA World Cup — North America
Algeria are targeting qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. With the expanded 48-team format giving more African places, the Desert Foxes are determined to return to the world stage.
Explore More Football Nations
From the shock of 1982 to AFCON glory in 2019, Algeria's football story is one of passion, pride, and giant-killing. The Desert Foxes are hungry for more.