Algeria and Spain in Talks Over Potential Friendly
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has opened discussions with Spain over the possibility of a friendly match between Algeria and Spain in 2026.
The talks took place on the sidelines of the 75th FIFA Congress, held in Asunción, Paraguay, where FAF President Walid Sadi met with Rafael Louzán Abal, President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
According to a statement released by the FAF, the two officials explored avenues of cooperation, including development projects across youth football, futsal, and the women's game.
However, the proposal to organise a senior international friendly has drawn the most attention.
The fixture, if confirmed, would form part of Algeria's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, should they qualify.
Spain, world champions in 2010 and recent winners of UEFA Euro 2024, would provide high-level opposition for the North African side.
The match would be a rare meeting between the two nations, who last faced each other at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, where Spain won 3-0.
Algeria, now under Vladimir Petković's guidance, aims to return to the global stage after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar. The FAF has signalled its intent to arrange top-tier friendlies in the lead-up to the 2026 tournament.
While the fixture remains in the early stages of planning, both federations have expressed interest. No venue or date has been finalised, and logistical discussions are expected in the coming months. A match on Algerian soil is reportedly being considered, though a neutral venue or staging the game in Spain has not been ruled out. Tags: AlgeriaFIFA World CupSpain
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
9 hours ago
- Morocco World
Morocco vs Benin: Possible Lineup, Score Prediction
Morocco return to action tonight against Benin in their second outing of the international break, looking to bounce back after an unconvincing performance against Tunisia. The match, although officially a friendly, carries weight. With the 2026 World Cup draw looming, head coach Walid Regragui is under pressure to refine his squad and pick up results that could boost the team's FIFA ranking. Kick-off is at 9 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT+1) and fans can catch the action live on Arryadia HD. The Tunisia win may have ended 2–0, but let's not kid ourselves, it wasn't convincing. The first half was flat, and a few big names didn't turn up. Youssef En-Nesyri looked lost, Sofyan Amrabat couldn't dictate the tempo, and Bilal El Khannouss seemed out of sync. Ismael Saibari, stuck out wide, was a tactical misfire. Changes are expected. Ayoub El Kaabi is pushing for a start after strong goals-scoring form with Olympiacos in the Greek league. At the same time, Soufiane Rahimi caught the eye with a lively cameo and could feature as a second supporting striker. Targhalline is also in contention to start as a holding midfielder ahead of Amrabat, with Regragui keen to find the perfect formula in the middle of the park. Tactically, Morocco may switch to a more compact shape. A midfield trio of Targhalline, Ounahi and El Khannouss could offer more stability, with the latter playing closer to the final third. In defense, Adam Masina impressed on his return and is likely to keep his place next to Jawad Al Yamiq. Achraf Hakimi remains vital down the right, and Youssef Belammari is tipped to start on the left. The Botola Pro and Confederation Cup Champion Munir Mohamedi could replace Yassine Bounou. Possible lineup: Munir – Hakimi, El Yamiq, Masina, Belammari – Targhalline, Ounahi, El Khannouss – Rahimi, Ben Seghir, El Kaabi Predicted score: Benin are expected to sit deep and absorb pressure from a technically superior Moroccan frontline. If the Atlas Lions manage to score early, confidence will surge, and the floodgates could very well open to bang more goals. MWN say: Morocco 3-0 Benin Tags: Achraf HakimiBeninfriendlyMoroccoWalid Regragui
Morocco World
13 hours ago
- Morocco World
Liechtenstein vs Scotland: Where, When to Watch the Friendly Game
Rabat — Liechtenstein will face Scotland today in an international friendly as part of its preparatory campaigns, including for the World Cup. The match will take place at 5 p.m. Moroccan time, with Scotland regarded as a favorite. Fans seeking to watch the game can do so on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, FS2, ViX. Liechtenstein appears to be one of the least favorites for many sources, including Goal, which said the squad lost their last five matches. 'Their struggles in attack are evident, with only one goal scored in their last six outings,' the same source said . As for Scotland, the football-focused website suggests that the Scottish team will go to the field without their first-choice goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who is injured. Several international friendlies are taking place today, including Uganda vs. Gambia, Kosovo vs. Comoros, Montenegro vs. Armenia, and Equatorial Guinea vs. Cameroon. As part of the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying games, Estonia vs. Norway is scheduled for the future, along with Italy vs. Moldova, Kazakhstan vs. North Macedonia, Belgium vs. Wales, Croatia vs. the Czech Republic, and the Faroe Islands vs. Gibraltar. At 9 p.m., Moroccan football fans will also enjoy a friendly game, which will take place at the Fez stadium. The Morocco vs. Benin game will follow another friendly that the Atlas Lions won on Friday, 2-0 against Tunisia. Tags: African footballMorocco Friendlies
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
France Secure Nations League Bronze as Mbappe Hits 50
Kylian Mbappe scored his 50th goal for France as Les Bleus sealed third place in the UEFA Nations League with a 2-0 win over Germany in Stuttgart. The French captain broke the deadlock just before half-time, latching onto a clever pass from Aurelien Tchouameni before calmly slotting past Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Germany pushed for a response after the break but were denied by both the woodwork and a series of VAR interventions. Karim Adeyemi thought he had won a penalty, only for the decision to be overturned with the forward booked for simulation. Moments later, Deniz Undav had an equaliser chalked off due to a foul by Niclas Fullkrug in the build-up. France rode their luck at times. Florian Wirtz struck the post and Mike Maignan made a string of saves, including three from Adeyemi. But the hosts were punished late on when Mbappe pounced on a loose ball, surged forward and squared for Michael Olise to tap home the second with six minutes remaining. Marcus Thuram also hit the post as France threatened a third, and Mbappe himself came close on multiple occasions. It was a strong response from Didier Deschamps' side after their dramatic semi-final loss to Spain, while Germany's winless run stretches to three matches. Julian Nagelsmann's side now look ahead to regrouping before the next round of World Cup qualifiers. Later today at 8 p.m., Spain and Portugal go head-to-head in Munich to decide the winner of this year's Nations League. Tags: FranceGermanyKylian MbappeUEFA Nations League
