Algeria starting lineup vs Switzerland confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match

Algeria have faced Switzerland twice before, both times in friendlies.

Algeria commenced their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-0 defeat to defending champions Argentina. Lionel Messi scored his maiden FIFA World Cup hat-trick, which turned out to be enough to stop the African side from winning the game.

Les Fennecs later secured a 2-1 victory over Jordan on Matchday 2. Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri scored for the African giants to counter Nizar Al-Rashdan’s goal for Jordan in the crucial fixture.

In their last game, they drew 3-3 against Ralf Rangnick’s Austria. Marko Arnautovic broke the deadlock in the 28th minute before Rafik Belghali equalised the game just before the first half concluded (45′).

Marcel Sabitzer gave Austria a lead in the second half (55′), but captain Riyad Mahrez scored just five minutes later to make the score even. In the added time, Mahrez completed his brace, but Sasa Kalajdzic’s late goal (90+6′) made sure the game ended as a draw.

It is also speculated that Algeria strategically avoided facing Spain in their first knockout-stage game. Nevertheless, they are chasing their best-ever finish in the global tournament, where they reached the round of 16 in 2014.

Nevertheless, they are up against Group B toppers Switzerland in their round-of-32 clash, set to be played at BC Place in Vancouver on Thursday, July 2nd.

Also Read: Switzerland vs Algeria: All-time head-to-head record

Algeria lineup for the FIFA World Cup match against Switzerland

Algeria starting XI: (4-2-3-1): Luca Zidane (GK); Rafik Belghali, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Aït-Nouri; Ramiz Zerroyki, Nabil Bentaleb; Riyad Mahrez, Houssem Aouar, Farès Chaïbi; Ibrahim Maza.

Thoughts on the lineup

Luca Zidane will start in the goal for the Desert Foxes. Meanwhile, Rayan Aït-Nouri will feature as the left-back while Belghali will play on the right flank. Aïssa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini will play as the centre-backs and will have the responsibility of stopping Johan Manzambi and Rubén Vargas, who have been in stellar form in the competition.

Former Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb will be expected to play a crucial role in the midfield alongside Zerrouki. Ibrahim Maza and Farès Chaïbi will feature in the attack, but skipper Riyad Mahrez will have to create chances and add creativity.

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