Algeria is not a pushover—winning 1-0 over the Netherlands, 4-0 thrashing Bolivia. Who dares to underestimate them?

Many fans may still think of Algeria as “an African team with average strength.” But let me tell you, this team is absolutely not here to hand out easy points. Ranked No. 28 in FIFA, they’ve returned to the World Cup after 12 years. In the warm-up matches, they stunned the world’s No. 7 Netherlands 1-0, then swept Bolivia 4-0—shutting out their opponents in both games. That kind of defensive toughness is definitely not to be taken lightly.

Head coach Petković has already extended his contract with the team through 2028, and their tactical system is very mature. Their tactics are clear: a five-man back line that compresses to defend, relinquishing possession, then seizing tackles to launch lightning-fast counterattacks through players like Mahrez. Even though veteran Mahrez is 35 years old, he remains the absolute core of the counterattack. In goal, there is Luka Zidane, the son of Zinedine Zidane. Although he suffered an injury while playing for Granada, being selected for the World Cup squad in itself is proof of his strength.

However, Algeria also has potential concerns. Their starting left center-back Ben Sabaini suffered an ankle injury in April; he is a key part of the team’s three-center-back system. His absence will bring considerable pressure to the back line. The good news is that he has already recovered and is expected to play.

The “North African Fox” has a long tradition of causing upsets—defeating West Germany in 1982, and in 2014, dragging eventual champions Germany into extra time. As a team, Algeria has never been afraid of strong sides. Can they create another miracle against Argentina? The odds aren’t high, but can you really say it’s completely impossible?

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