Media reports have highlighted the chances of the Algerian national team securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals.

This comes after the controversial decision made by the Guinean Football Federation to move the crucial match against Algeria to Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, on September 8, as part of the eighth round of qualifiers.

Journalistic sources confirmed that this decision, instead of worrying fans, could serve the interests of the "Desert Warriors", especially as they lead Group Seven with 15 points, 3 points ahead of their closest pursuer, Mozambique, with a clear advantage in goal difference.

If Algeria wins against Botswana on September 4 at the stadium of the late Hussein Ait Ahmed in Tizi Ouzou, their points will rise to 18. Meanwhile, if Mozambique loses to Uganda in Kampala, the gap will widen to 6 points before the final two rounds.

This makes a victory in Morocco against Guinea mean official qualification for the World Cup for the fifth time in Algeria's history.

Despite the unexpected loss to Guinea (2-1) in Algeria, the statistics favor coach Vladimir Petkovic's squad, especially given their superiority in direct encounters and the international experience of the players.

Group Seven standings (up to the seventh round):

1. Algeria – 15 points

2. Mozambique – 12 points

3. Botswana – 9 points

4. Uganda – 9 points

5. Guinea – 7 points

6. Somalia – 1 point

Qualification system for the 2026 World Cup: The top team from each group (of 9 groups) qualifies directly for the World Cup.

The best 4 teams that finish second will play continental playoff matches, with one team qualifying for the global playoff.