When Algeria officially booked their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the celebrations that erupted across the country were nothing short of electric. Streets filled with honking cars, waving flags, and fans chanting in joy — a nation united once again behind its beloved Fennecs.
Their happiness was more than justified. It had been over a decade since Algeria last played on football’s biggest stage. The 2014 World Cup in Brazil remains etched in Algerian hearts — a magical run that saw their national team make history.
Under coach Vahid Halilhodzic, Algeria advanced past the group stage for the first time ever. They stunned the world with their fearless play — dismantling Korea Republic 4-2, holding Russia to a 1-1 draw, and finishing behind only Belgium to secure a spot in the Round of 16.
That unforgettable journey led them to face eventual champions Germany, a match that would go down as one of the tournament’s most thrilling battles.
“We Wanted to Make History” – Halilhodzic Remembers Brazil 2014
Reflecting on that incredible campaign, Halilhodzic still speaks with pride and emotion. Despite later guiding Côte d’Ivoire (2010), Japan (2018), and Morocco (2022) to World Cup qualification, 2014 was the only time he actually stood on the touchline at the tournament.
“There was an unbelievable buzz around that Germany game,” Halilhodzic recalled. “It was Algeria’s first-ever Round of 16 match. The entire country stopped for it — around 40 million people were watching.”
The coach vividly remembers the night before the match.
“When I walked into the meeting room to go over tactics, the players were silent — it felt like a funeral. Heads down, no one spoke. I started explaining our plan, both tactically and mentally. Slowly, they began to lift their heads. We reminded ourselves that it takes real courage to say, ‘We’re going to beat Germany.’”
And courage is exactly what they showed.
A Performance That Stole the World’s Heart
Everyone expected Algeria to crumble. Pundits predicted a heavy defeat — “five, six, or seven goals,” as Halilhodzic put it. But what followed was one of the gutsiest performances in World Cup history.
The Fennecs pushed Germany to the limit, taking them to extra time before eventually falling 2-1. Yet, even in defeat, Algeria won the world’s admiration.
“We were given a standing ovation,” said Halilhodzic. “Everyone was chanting ‘Algérie! Algérie!’ We became the darlings of the tournament.”
The next day in Brazil, the coach couldn’t believe what happened.
“I went to a shopping center to buy a few gifts. People recognized me instantly. Before I knew it, they had lifted me up — literally! I must’ve been in the air for ten or fifteen minutes. It was crazy — but it showed how much football means to people in Brazil. Even if you’re a foreigner, if you show heart, they make you one of their own.”
A Hero’s Welcome Back Home
When the team returned to Algeria, the scenes were pure euphoria. Airports overflowed with fans chanting their names. Men, women, and children alike celebrated the team’s historic run.
“Seeing everyone so happy — that’s what it’s all about,” Halilhodzic said. “As a coach, there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing smiles on people’s faces because of what your team has achieved.”
For him, that 2014 squad remains unforgettable.
“What we achieved with Algeria was very special. Even though we lost, we made our mark against the best team in the world. That performance showed what we were capable of. Those players had an incredible tournament.”
A Coach Who Left His Mark Everywhere
Halilhodzic’s journey didn’t stop there. He went on to lead Japan, Morocco, and Côte d’Ivoire to World Cup qualification — though he was dismissed before each tournament.
“Of course, I was devastated by those decisions,” he admitted. “But that’s football. In each place, we built something special — not just on a sporting level, but on a human one. If you can’t create that bond, that sense of unity, you can’t achieve anything.”
For Halilhodzic, there’s no stage like the World Cup.
“Everyone dreams of being part of it. A single game can be watched by billions of people. It’s the biggest event on the planet — and it’s simply magical.”