Algeria's Desert Warriors focus on shoring up the backline after a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland on July 3, 2026, as they gear up for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. The new coach faces a tough task integrating French Ligue 2 talents like Saïb Nair and Elias Zidan to strengthen the defense.
Saïb Nair, a 24‑year‑old centre‑back, shone in Saint‑Étienne's 3‑0 win over Sochaux, winning 9 duels out of 9, contributing 16 offensive actions with a 94% pass rate and earning an 8/10 rating from SofaScore. Elias Zidan, son of Zinedine Zidan, netted the winning goal for Red Star against Nantes and received a 7.9/10 rating, with 9 aerial duels out of 15 and 10 goal contributions.
The defensive crisis hurt Algeria's results in the AFCON 2025 finals and the 2026 World Cup, where the side scored only 5 goals while conceding 7 (‑2 goal difference). Sitting third in the World Cup table with 4 points from three games (1W‑1D‑1L) and a recent LDWL form, the new manager needs quick fixes.
A training camp kicks off in September with a fresh technical staff, and Nair and Zidan will be tested in internal drills before being selected for continental qualifiers. Algeria also trails Argentina by five points in the title race, adding pressure to tighten the defense before decisive matches.
If the coach successfully integrates the French defenders and improves defensive organization, the situation could become a turning point for Algeria in the 2027 qualifiers. Otherwise, the coaching staff will face mounting fan pressure to return the side to higher standards.
