Vladimir Petkovic to resign as Algeria coach after World Cup exit

Algeria's national football team was eliminated 0‑2 by Switzerland in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup in Vancouver, ending the Fennecs' campaign. Following the loss, head coach Vladimir Petkovic announced he will submit his resignation to the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) and intends to hand in a formal letter upon the team's return.

The FAF, led by president Walid Sadi, is preparing for an amicable termination of Petkovic's contract, which was extended on 7 June and includes a clause requiring repayment of two months' salary if he resigns. The federation is also beginning the search for a new coach while evaluating the team's overall performance.

Criticism has focused on Petkovic's tactical choices, frequent lineup changes, and the omission of experienced players such as Baghdad Bounedjah and Youcef Belaili. Some journalists also pointed to a scheduling advantage for Switzerland, which received three extra rest days before the match. The resignation marks a pivotal moment for Algerian football as it looks to rebuild for future continental and international competitions.