Algeria booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday after a commanding 3-0 victory over Somalia, with Mohamed Amoura scoring twice and Riyad Mahrez starring with two assists and a goal at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium in Oran.

The result made Algeria the fourth African team to qualify for the tournament, joining Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt.

Amoura opened the scoring in the sixth minute, volleying home a precise Mahrez cross. The former Manchester City captain doubled the lead midway through the first half, finishing off a loose ball to put the Desert Foxes firmly in control.

Mahrez turned provider again in the 57th minute, setting up Amoura for his second of the night to complete a dominant display.

The win leaves Algeria top of Group G with 22 points from nine matches, four clear of Uganda with one game remaining, securing their fifth World Cup appearance.

Under coach Vladimir Petkovic, who replaced Djamel Belmadi last year, Algeria have rediscovered their form after missing the 2022 World Cup and suffering back-to-back early exits at the 2022 and 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

Petkovic, who guided Switzerland to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, has overseen a strong resurgence from a side that had previously underperformed despite its talent depth.

Currently ranked 38th in the world, Algeria first appeared at the World Cup in 1982, famously defeating West Germany 2–1 before a controversial elimination in the group stage. Their most recent appearance came in Brazil 2014, where they reached the Round of 16 for the first time, losing narrowly to eventual champions Germany 2–1 after extra time.