Petković sets conditions to stay with Algeria until 2028

Vladimir Petković, head coach of Algeria’s national football team, has agreed to continue in his role until December 2028 after accepting conditions set by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF). The deal follows weeks of negotiations after Algeria’s exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The FAF’s terms include staff changes in Petković’s technical team and a commitment to spend three weeks per month in Algeria. Petković, earning €160,000 monthly, will also adhere to a €5 million penalty clause if he fails to meet the terms.

Last result: Switzerland 2-0 Algeria (2026-07-03).

Why did Petković accept such tough conditions?

Algerian journalist Jamal Najari, who broke the story, noted that Petković agreed despite doubts over the team’s results under his leadership. Najari posted on X: "The Swiss coach accepted the terms after the FAF’s technical committee recommended his retention, citing his success in meeting the first-term goals-reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals and qualifying for the 2026 World Cup second round." He added that Petković exceeded expectations by securing positive results in friendlies against Guatemala, Uruguay, and the Netherlands.

What changes are coming to the technical staff?

The Algerian FA has not yet named the new assistants who will join Petković’s team. Sources confirm the reshuffle will restructure the backroom staff, aiming to boost performance in critical matches. The FAF’s decision to retain Petković followed a technical review that praised his first-term achievements despite recent inconsistent results.

Algeria’s World Cup 2026 outlook after the deal

Petković’s contract now runs through December 2028, giving him ample time to prepare the team for upcoming qualifiers and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The FAF’s decision reflects a vote of confidence in his ability to turn results around, even after Algeria’s recent losses-most notably the 2-0 defeat to Switzerland on July 3, 2026. Still, Petković remains committed to delivering the ambitious targets set by the Algerian FA.