On the eighth matchday of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the match between Algeria and Guinea ended in a goalless 0-0 draw, a disappointing result for the « Fennecs » who aimed for a victory to consolidate their position at the top of Group G. Despite Algeria’s dominance in play, the forwards failed to break through Guinea’s defense, leaving the match goalless and Guinea’s hopes intact.
This result is not favorable for Algeria, already leader of the group with 19 points, but competition remains fierce, with Uganda and Mozambique closely behind with 15 points each. A direct victory grants the Group G winner immediate qualification for the final phase of the 2026 World Cup, increasing pressure on the teams for upcoming matches.
At the center of attention, Algerian player Youcef Belaïli made a surprising decision after the match. Contrary to expectations, he announced a temporary withdrawal from the national team, raising many questions about his motivations. This announcement comes while he is considered a key element of Algeria’s attack and his experience would be valuable for the upcoming challenges.
With this unexpected decision, Algeria will need to quickly adapt to maintain its leading position and keep its chances of direct qualification intact. The next matches in these qualifiers will be crucial, especially as the competition in Group G of the Africa zone intensifies with several teams still in the running to secure their ticket for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.