Algeria at the FIFA World Cup - Four Tournaments, One Knockout Stage Exit

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 08 Jun 2026

John Eastwood 08 Jun 2026

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Algeria have appeared at 4 FIFA World Cups (1982, 1986, 2010, 2014).
Historic results: upset vs West Germany (1982), Round of 16 finish in 2014.
Noted for inspiring FIFA rule changes and showing resilient performances.

Algeria's striker Islam Slimani scored two goals in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil (Getty Images).

Algeria at the FIFA World Cup

Algeria's national football team have appeared at four FIFA World Cups: 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014.
Algeria at the FIFA World Cup
1982 FIFA World Cup - Spain
1986 FIFA World Cup - Mexico
2010 FIFA World Cup - South Africa
2014 FIFA World Cup - Brazil

Their greatest achievement came in 2014 when they reached the Round of 16 for the first time in history.

Algeria are also remembered for their historic victories over West Germany in 1982 and their strong performance against eventual champions Germany in 2014.

Year	Matches Played	Wins	Draws	Losses	Goals Scored	Goals Conceded	Stage Reached
1982	3	2	0	1	5	5	Group Stage
1986	3	0	1	2	1	5	Group Stage
2010	3	0	1	2	0	2	Group Stage
2014	4	1	1	2	7	7	Round of 16
Total	13	3	2	8	13	19	—

1982 FIFA World Cup - Spain

Coach: Mahieddine Khalef and Rachid Mekhloufi

Algeria made a sensational World Cup debut in Spain and shocked the football world by defeating West Germany 2–1 in one of the greatest upsets in tournament history.

They also defeated Chile 3–2 but were eliminated after the controversial “Disgrace of Gijón” match between West Germany and Austria, whose result ensured both European teams advanced.

Despite winning two matches, Algeria exited in the group stage on goal difference. Their performances earned worldwide admiration and led FIFA to introduce simultaneous final group matches in future tournaments.

Goalscorers:

Rabah Madjer, Lakhdar Belloumi, Salah Assad (both 2 goals), Tedj Bensaoula (1 goal).

1986 FIFA World Cup - Mexico

Coach: Rabah Saâdane

Algeria returned to the World Cup in Mexico but could not repeat their heroics from 1982. They opened with a narrow 1–0 defeat to Northern Ireland before drawing 1–1 with defending champions Brazil. A heavy 3–0 loss to Spain ended their campaign.

Algeria finished bottom of Group D and were eliminated in the group stage once again.

Goalscorer:

Djamel Zidane (1 goal)

2010 FIFA World Cup - South Africa

Coach: Rabah Saâdane

After a 24-year absence, Algeria qualified for the World Cup in South Africa following a dramatic playoff victory over Egypt. Algeria struggled offensively during the tournament and failed to score a goal.

They lost 1–0 to Slovenia, were defeated 1–0 by the United States through a stoppage-time goal, and earned a respectable 0–0 draw against England.

Although eliminated in the group stage, Algeria received praise for their defensive organisation and fighting spirit.

2014 FIFA World Cup - Brazil

Coach: Vahid Halilhodžić

Algeria produced their best-ever World Cup campaign in Brazil by reaching the Round of 16 for the first time. After losing 2–1 to Belgium in their opening match, Algeria defeated South Korea 4–2 in an exciting attacking display — becoming the first African team to score four goals in a World Cup match. They then drew 1–1 with Russia to qualify for the knockout stage.

Algeria finished second in Group H and achieved their best World Cup result in history. In the Round of 16, Algeria pushed eventual champions Germany to extra time before losing 2–1 after a courageous performance widely praised by fans and analysts.

Goalscorers:

Islam Slimani, Abdelmoumene Djabou (both 2 goals), Yacine Brahimi, Sofiane Feghouli, El Arbi Hillel Soudani (all 1 goal).

Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.