Algeria have parted ways with head coach Vladimir Petkovic by mutual agreement despite guiding the team to the 2026 FIFA World Cup…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has announced that head coach Vladimir Petkovic and his technical staff have left the national team by mutual agreement, ending a 29-month spell in charge of the Desert Foxes.
In a statement, the federation thanked Petkovic and his staff for “their professionalism, commitment and dedication” during their time with the national team.
“The Algerian Football Federation announced that their contractual relationship with the national team head coach, Vladimir Petkovic, and his coaching staff has officially come to an end today, on a mutual agreement between the two parties,” the federation said.
“The Algerian Football Federation extends its sincere thanks to Vladimir Petkovic and all members of his staff for their professionalism, commitment, and dedication throughout their twenty-nine months at the helm of the national team’s technical staff.”
Petkovic, the former Switzerland and Lazio coach, took charge of Algeria in March 2024, succeeding Djamel Belmadi. During his tenure, he guided Algeria back to the FIFA World Cup after the team failed to qualify for the 2022 edition.
Although his contract was extended until 2028 shortly before the 2026 World Cup, Algeria’s campaign raised questions over his future. The team progressed to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed sides after finishing third in Group J before being eliminated by Switzerland in the round of 32.
His departure comes less than two years before the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Algeria set to begin their qualifying campaign in September. The Desert Foxes have been drawn in Group I alongside Zambia, Togo and Burundi.
Local media reports have linked Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle and Herve Renard, who recently left his role with Tunisia, as leading candidates to succeed Petkovic.
