Bitkovic, Algeria Coach: Our Goal is to Reach the Round of 16 and Not Just Participate

The Bosnian coach Vladimir Petković, the head coach of the Algerian national team, revealed the ambitions of the "Desert Warriors" for the 2026 World Cup finals, emphasizing that the main goal is to advance past the group stage and reach the Round of 16 of the tournament.

The Algerian national team is preparing to compete in the World Cup within Group J, which includes the teams of Argentina, Jordan, and Austria, in a group that seems full of challenges for the Arab team.

Petkovic said in statements reported by the Algerian newspaper "Al-Nahar" that the team will enter the tournament with a competitive mindset and clear ambitions, adding: "We will try to be better than all the competitors we will face in the World Cup, and we have specific goals we aim to achieve."

The Bosnian coach explained that the coaching staff is currently focused on reaching the first match with the best possible readiness, noting that the approach to the tournament will be step by step, and match by match, before assessing the team's chances of continuing the journey.

Petkovic emphasized that the Algerian national team will do everything in its power to avoid an early exit from the tournament, affirming that the declared goal is to advance past the first round. He stated: "We will give our all so that we do not return home after just three matches, and our goal is to reach the Round of 16."

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11 and will continue until July 19, in a historic edition hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring 48 teams for the first time.