Algeria extend coach Petkovic's deal just before World Cup

FootballSports
7 Jun 2026 • 10:50 PM MYT
DPA International
DPA International

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Image from: Algeria extend coach Petkovic's deal just before World Cup
FILE PHOTO - Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic gives an interview before the final training of his team, ahead of the UEFA Nations League soccer match against Germany. Federico Gambarini/dpa

Vladimir Petkovic will remain coach of World Cup qualifiers Algeria until at least July 2028, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) said on Sunday.

The 62-year-old Swiss took over as head coach from Djamel Belmadi in February 2024 and guided the team back to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years. The men's tournament begins on Thursday in the US, Canada and Mexico.

In Group J, Algeria will face defending champions Argentina, Jordan and Austria. At the Africa Cup of Nations at the start of the year, Petkovic's team were knocked out by Nigeria in the quarter-finals.

Before taking the job with the North Africans, Petkovic, who was born in Bosnia, coached the Switzerland national team, Young Boys Bern and Lazio among others.