Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković has emphasized that his primary objective is securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup rather than focusing on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Algeria has been drawn into Group E for AFCON 2025, where they will compete against Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
However, Petković made it clear in an interview with Cafonline that his long-term ambition is guiding the team to the next World Cup.
“Right now, the most important thing for us is not the Africa Cup of Nations but qualifying for the World Cup,” Petković stated. “If we achieve that, then playing at AFCON will be much easier.”
Despite his focus on the World Cup, Petković acknowledged Algeria’s status as favorites in their AFCON group and the responsibility that comes with it.
“It is clear that we are the favorites in the group, and we must bear this responsibility,” he said. “Our first goal will be to qualify for the second round, and then we will see.”
With Algeria’s ambitions set firmly on the 2026 World Cup, Petković’s approach signals a shift in priorities as the team prepares for upcoming challenges on both continental and global stages