Algeria coach upbeat ahead of Switzerland test

Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic believes his side are developing a winning mentality at the right time as the Desert Foxes prepare to face Switzerland in Friday’s round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The North Africans reached the knockout stage after recording one win and one draw in their final two group matches, having opened their campaign with a disappointing 3-0 defeat to defending champions Argentina, inspired by Lionel Messi.

Since that setback, Algeria have impressed with their attacking play and resilience, although Petkovic admitted his side must improve defensively after surviving anxious moments in their dramatic victory over Austria.

The coach is confident his players are making steady progress as they bid to reach the last 16.

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“We’re building a winning mentality, step by step,” Petkovic said via CAF Online.

“In major tournaments, it’s important to try to keep improving game by game, and that’s what we’re doing.”

Algeria are making their fifth World Cup appearance, with their best finish coming at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, where they reached the round of 16 before losing to eventual champions Germany after extra time.

The Desert Foxes failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar respectively, and will be hoping to make a deeper run at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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