What changed
Algerian youth teams have recorded notable progress during recent international events. According to local media, the under-15 national team achieved a resounding 5-0 victory against Suriname at the FIFA World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. This victory follows an initial historic win against Argentina. Player Abdelkader Mahrazi notably stood out as the team's top scorer by scoring a brace, bringing his total to three goals.
At the same time, the under-17 team continued its preparations for the World Cup in Qatar scheduled for November 2026. Intensive training sessions took place at the regional technical center in Tlemcen, with the participation of 16 players. The sessions included friendly matches, including one against the under-20 team of Aïn Témouchent. Head coach Mohamed Guémidi is currently evaluating the fitness of each player before finalizing the squad.
Why it matters
These successes and preparations demonstrate a rise in strength for Algerian football at youth levels. The victory against Argentina, a traditionally strong team at this level, marks a symbolic turning point. Mahrazi's performance, ranking him among the tournament's top scorers, reinforces the credibility of the Algerian attack.
For the under-17 category, preparation for Qatar 2026 is crucial. Algeria has been placed in Group 10 alongside the United States, Chile, and Montenegro. Such a setup requires great consistency and solid organization. The scheduled friendly matches will help fine-tune tactics before the decisive phases.
What to watch
The under-15 team will face Chinese Taipei on Sunday afternoon, then Malawi on Monday morning, before concluding the group stage against Oman. The competition format, based on 20-minute halves with eight against eight, introduces a tactical novelty that could benefit teams well-drilled in fast transitions.
For the under-17s, the objective is clear: reach the final phases in Qatar with a cohesive and experienced team. The coming weeks will be decisive for refining the system of play and selecting key players. Monitoring training sessions and friendly matches will provide valuable insights into the trajectory of this rising generation.
Local media cross-referenced information from official sources and reports from field actors, without guaranteeing the accuracy of all data. Results and team lineups remain subject to change before the upcoming matches.