Algérie ends Petkovic era as Fennecs seek new direction

In the quiet of the FAF headquarters, a press release flickered on the screen as the clock struck midnight, announcing that Vladimir Petkovic is no longer the head coach of the Algerian national team. The statement, issued on Monday, confirmed the end of the collaboration with the Fennecs, the nickname of Algeria's side.

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) confirmed that the contractual relationship with Petkovic and his technical staff officially terminated by mutual agreement. Le announcement was posted on the federation’s website and was accompanied by the heading FennecsAujourd'hui.

"La Fédération Algérienne de Football (FAF) informe que la relation contractuelle la liant au sélectionneur national, M. Vladimir PETKOVIC, ainsi qu'à son staff technique, a officiellement pris fin ce jour, d'un commun accord," the FAF said in its release.

Petkovic, a Bosnian naturalised Swiss, had taken charge of the Fennecs in February 2024, succeeding Djamel Belmadi. During his 29‑month spell he guided Algeria to the quarter‑finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they fell 0‑2 to Nigeria, and to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, losing 0‑2 to Switzerland.

Algeria's coaching chapter ends: Petkovic departs after World Cup exit

His record with the national side stood at 23 victories, five draws and five defeats. Before arriving in Algiers, Petkovic enjoyed a brief stint as head coach of Girondins de Bordeaux following a long period on the bench of the Swiss national team from 2014 to 2021.

Although his contract had been extended until 2028 for "remarkable results," the federation decided to end the partnership early after the disappointing knockout exits. Algeria had not qualified for a World Cup since 2024 and had suffered two consecutive first‑round eliminations at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Algerian FA dismisses Vladimir Petkovic after World Cup flop

The FAF now faces the task of appointing a successor. According to DZ Foot and independent journalist Romain Molina, the federation favours a coach from the Spanish or Portuguese school, with Rafael Benítez identified as the primary candidate and José Peseiro as the secondary option.

Algeria will begin its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in September, drawn in a group with Togo, Zambia and Burundi, as the Fennecs look to rebuild under new leadership.