Felix Sanchez in race to lead Algeria after Petkovic contract termination
Felix Sanchez, former Qatar coach, has joined the list of candidates to lead Algeria after the official termination of Vladimir Petkovic's contract by the Algerian Football Federation. This decision comes after weeks of Algeria's exit from the 2026 World Cup, where they finished third in their group with 4 points from 3 games, recording a recent form of LDWL.
What happened?
The Algerian Football Federation announced the termination of Petkovic's contract, who had been coaching the team since March 2024, following an unsatisfactory performance in the World Cup. Algeria lost to Switzerland 2-0 on July 3, 2026, prompting the federation to seek a replacement. Among the candidates are Rafael Benitez, Roberto Martinez, Xavi Hernandez, and Sanchez.
Why it matters for Algeria
The federation is looking for a Spanish coach, and Sanchez seems a strong candidate due to his experience in coaching national teams, including Ecuador in the 2024 Copa America. His annual salary is also within the federation's budget, increasing his chances of securing the position.
What comes next?
The Algerian Federation will hold a meeting next Thursday to discuss the candidates, and the new coach is expected to be announced next week. The monthly salary is likely to be a decisive factor in the final decision, as the federation seeks the best balance between experience and budget.
