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
11 hours ago
- Morocco World
TGCC, SGTM Win $320 Million Deal for Casablanca's Grand Stadium
Rabat – Moroccan construction giants TGCC and SGTM were awarded the second lot of the Grand Stade Hassan II project in Casablanca, a major infrastructure undertaking planned for Benslimane. The deal, reportedly valued at MAD 3.2 billion ($320 million), comes after the tender process closed on June 10. The two companies, which submitted the only bid, met all the technical and financial conditions required for this stage of the project. The scope of work includes heavy construction, waterproofing, steel framework, interior finishes, and carpentry. The stadium, described as a strategic national investment, shows Morocco's broader ambitions in sports infrastructure as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) laid out a timeline that targets December 2027 for completion. Morocco is pulling out all the stops as it prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. From massive stadium construction to sweeping infrastructure revamps, the North African country is racing ahead to match international standards and deliver a smooth experience to teams and fans. Yet, this ambitious push comes at a time of looming economic worries, which does not fail to raise questions about how much more the country can stretch. While the effort signals determination and national pride, it also reveals the high stakes Morocco faces in balancing aspirations and domestic realities.
Morocco World
12 hours ago
- Morocco World
Senegal Stuns England: Historic 3-1 Victory Marks Tuchel's First Defeat
The England national team received a surprising defeat in their fourth match with Thomas Tuchel in a friendly against Senegal 3-1 on Tuesday at The City Ground in Nottingham, making it the first loss to an African team in their history. Senegal managed to give the African continent the first victory over England. Senegal head coach Aliou Cissé told reporters after the match, 'We came here to prove that African teams can compete and win at the highest level. This is a proud moment for Senegal and Africa.' Despite the defeat, Tuchel maintained his optimism by saying, 'Maybe we deserved more than that in terms of result … but I felt that we were not energetic enough for a long period of the game.' England wasted no time, opening the scoring just seven minutes in. Anthony Gordon's initial shot forced a save from Edouard Mendy, but Harry Kane pounced on the rebound to tap it in. Senegal gradually found their rhythm and responded just before halftime. A lapse in England's defense allowed Nicholas Jackson to set up Ismaila Sarr to score the equalizer. Early in the second half, England trailed after Habib Diarra shot from a tight angle in the 62nd minute, after a pass from Kalidou Koulibaly. Despite the substitutions, including the entry of Jude Bellingham for Declan Rice, the score remained the same. England appeared to have found an equalizer in the 84th minute through Bellingham, but the goal was disallowed for offside. England's hopes for a late equalizer ended as substitute Cheikh Sobally sealed their defeat in stoppage time, striking in the 92nd minute on a counter-attack. The African side avenged their quarter-final loss in the 2022 World Cup.
Morocco World
a day ago
- Morocco World
New Zealand vs. Ukraine: When, How to Watch & Score Prediction
New Zealand return to action tonight against Ukraine in a friendly game with confidence sky-high. Kick-off is at 10 p.m. at BMO Field, Toronto and fans can catch the action live on FS2 and FOX Sports app. Darren Bazeley's men are unbeaten in eight and haven't lost in almost 15 months. The 1-0 win over Cote D'Ivoire last weekend was their fourth clean sheet in a row and their eighth consecutive home victory. Add 34 goals scored across those matches, and the All Whites look primed for another dominant outing. Kosta Barbarouses is likely to lead the line again, flanked by Elijah Just – who netted the winner on Sunday – and Callum McCowatt. In midfield, Joe Bell anchors things with support from Sarpreet Singh and Marko Stamenic. But Tuesday's visitors are no pushovers. Ukraine, under Serhiy Rebrov, will provide a far sterner test than New Zealand's recent opposition. Belgium narrowly beat the Blue and Yellow in their Nations League playoff and are coming off a 4-2 defeat to Canada – a match in which they dominated possession but fell apart defensively. That result was Ukraine's second loss in a row and exposed vulnerabilities at the back. They've conceded seven goals in their last two matches and have only one win from their last five away games. With World Cup qualifiers against France looming, they'll be desperate to turn the tide. Ukraine may be without key midfielder Mykola Shaparenko after he went off injured in the Canada match. Oleksandr Pikhalyonok could step in, while goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk is expected to start after Anatoliy Trubin was taken off at the weekend. Possible lineups: New Zealand: Crocombe; Bindon, Tuiloma, Surman, Cacace; Stamenic, Bell, Singh; Just, Barbarouses, McCowatt Ukraine: Riznyk; Matviyenko, Bondar, Zabarnyi, Tymchyk; Kalyuzhnyi; Tsygankov, Pikhalyonok, Zinchenko, Sudakov; Yaremchuk Predicted score: It's a real test for both sides. New Zealand want to prove they can beat tougher opposition. Ukraine need to rediscover form and defensive shape. Given recent trends, the home side may just have the edge. MWN say: New Zealand 2-1 Ukraine Tags: friendlyNew ZealandUkraine
