The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has officially appointed Brahim Hemdani as the new head coach of the national team. The 48-year-old French-Algerian manager replaces Vladimir Petkovic, with the announcement made on Sunday.
Hemdani takes charge at a key moment for Algeria, who currently sit third in their World Cup qualifying group with 4 points from 3 games, having scored 5 goals and conceded 7. Their most recent result was a 2-0 loss to Switzerland on July 3, 2026, in the World Cup round of 32.
Brahim Hemdani is a French-born manager of Algerian descent, hailing from Colombes near Paris. He began his playing career at his local club in 1995, moving to AS Cannes in 1997, then Strasbourg, before a five-season spell with Olympique Marseille starting in 2000. The highlight of his playing days was at Scottish giants Rangers between 2003 and 2008, where he won league and cup titles. After retiring in 2010, he cut his coaching teeth in the French lower leagues, guiding fourth-tier Marignane to promotion.
Hemdani was only appointed coach of the Algeria U-20 side in July, promptly leading them to a gold medal at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy. This immediate success paved the way for his rapid promotion to the senior team role.
Hemdani's first match in charge of the senior side will be against Zambia on September 25 at the Stade Hocine Aït Ahmed in Tizi Ouzou. This match is the opening fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament. Four days later, Algeria will travel to face Burundi in Bujumbura. Group I also includes Togo, with the top two teams advancing to the continental finals.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to be held in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania between June 19 and July 17, 2027. Fans can check the full upcoming schedule on our dedicated fixtures page.
Hemdani will be supported by a trusted technical team. Antho Yahia will serve as his assistant coach, with Nacer Daineche taking the role of fitness coach. Goalkeeping duties will be handled by Nasredine Berarma. The federation expressed its full backing for the new setup, stating: "The FAF wishes him [Hemdani] and his staff every success and assures them of its full support in carrying out their mission."
Hemdani succeeds former boss Vladimir Petkovic, who led Algeria to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup. The coaching change in Algeria is part of a broader managerial movement across Africa. In Ghana, the football association confirmed that 73-year-old Carlos Queiroz will continue as head coach, despite initially stepping down after their World Cup exit. South Africa also reappointed Pitso Mosimane to steer their team through the qualifiers for a third time.
The Algerian team will be looking to improve on a recent run of form that reads one win, two draws, and two losses from their last five matches. They remain five points behind group leaders Argentina in the World Cup qualifying standings. Hemdani's debut against Zambia in Tizi Ouzou marks the concrete start of a new era.
