馃嚛馃嚳AlgeriaNorth Africa
Algeria to face Switzerland in World Cup 2026 Round of 16
via Alg茅rie3603 min read
Algeria's Fennecs have qualified for the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup after a 3-3 draw against Austria, securing their spot as the best third-placed team. They are set to play Switzerland, the Group B winner with seven points, on Friday, July 3, at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. This match holds particular significance as Algeria's coach, Vladimir Petkovic, will face the Swiss national team he managed for seven years. Switzerland, ranked 19th in the June FIFA ranking, is participating in its 13th World Cup, demonstrating consistent performance in major competitions. They have reached the quarterfinals three times in 1934, 1938, and 1954, and have consistently made it to the knockout stages in four consecutive World Cups. Their qualification for this tournament was seamless, with four wins and two draws in six European group matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding only two. This defensive record highlights the team's solid, organized, and difficult-to-maneuver identity. Under coach Murat Yakin, Switzerland had a slow start in Group B, drawing 1-1 with Qatar, but quickly recovered with a 4-1 victory over Bosnia and a 2-1 win against host Canada, topping the group with seven points, seven goals scored, and three conceded. The team, while lacking individual stars like those from the Petkovic era Shaqiri or Lichtsteiner, relies on collective cohesion and tactical discipline. Key players include captain Granit Xhaka, central defender Manuel Akanji, goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, win
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Mohamed Arkab, Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, met with Faramarz Ekhteraei, President of the Iranian company Industrial Pioneers Farayand Co IPF, on June 28, 2026. The meeting, also attended by Amin Remini, President of the Hydrocarbon Regulatory Authority ARH, focused on cooperation and investment opportunities between Sonatrach and IPF in the oil and gas industry and industrial engineering. Discussions centered on major energy projects, particularly in refining and petrochemicals, with an emphasis on producing high value-added petrochemical materials like polypropylene and its derivatives. The parties also explored developing processing facilities, optimizing industrial performance, and increasing production and transformation capacities. Partnership opportunities in designing and building specialized industrial units, developing hydrocarbon industry equipment, and industrial water treatment were also discussed. Mohamed Arkab highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation with IPF, citing their technical expertise and engineering capabilities for complex energy projects. He urged IPF to intensify contact with Sonatrach and national subsidiaries to explore investment opportunities, stressing technology transfer, local manufacturing, and Algerian skill development. Faramarz Ekhteraei expressed IPF's strong interest in strengthening its presence in the Algerian market and forming long-term partnerships with Sonatrach, offering their expertise in engineerin
Three Algerian nationals have been sentenced to prison by a London court for stealing over 拢600,000 nearly $820,000 worth of jewelry from members of the Abu Dhabi royal family. The theft occurred in June 2025 outside St Pancras International station in London. Medhi F., 41, and Abdel A., 35, along with an unidentified accomplice, distracted the driver awaiting the royal family and took their luggage before fleeing. Surveillance footage showed them positioned in advance, having identified the group's arrival. One suspect admitted to selling a suitcase three days later. Judge Benedict Kelleher stated that the victims were clearly targeted due to their apparent wealth and that the operation involved seven individuals who had pre-identified passengers arriving from an international train with a private driver. Medhi F., who entered the UK illegally in July 2025, received a sentence of two years and four months. Photos of gold jewelry found on his phone supported the charges. Abdel A., illegally in the UK since April 2023, was sentenced to two years and six months, partly due to a false guilty plea. The arrest of a third accomplice, Faysal B., 27, revealed the network's extent. He was apprehended on the same day as Fatih and Aitkebir, having been caught searching luggage near King's Cross. His phone contained a WhatsApp conversation where a group member wrote, "I didn't come here for clothes or anything. I came for watches and money. This country is where the money is. Get ready,
Must ReadVicente Moreno, a Spanish diplomat, has been repatriated to Madrid by Minister Albares following his arrest by Judge Mar铆a Tard贸n for alleged involvement in a criminal organization. Moreno is suspected of orchestrating a visa trafficking scheme at the Spanish consulate in Algiers, selling illegal visas for up to 25,000 euros per family, and then laundering the proceeds in Spain through a car purchasing network. His repatriation places him under direct scrutiny by his superiors and the justice system. Moreno was arrested alongside an Algerian accomplice, Mohamed B., who worked with him at the consulate. A third individual, Moreno's wife, also an Algerian national, has been placed under judicial supervision. The police operation, codenamed Jazira-Cova, was ordered by the National Court with support from the anti-corruption prosecutor's office. It involved agents from the Economic and Fiscal Crime Unit, the Central Unit against Illegal Immigration and Document Forgery, and the Deputy Directorate of Customs Surveillance of the National Police. The suspects face five charges: participation in a criminal organization, money laundering, falsification of official documents, corruption, and visa fraud. Following his arrest, Moreno's passport was confiscated, he was prohibited from leaving Spain, and he must report to the police twice weekly. Searches in Sagunto and Torrevieja, conducted while Moreno and his accomplices were in Spain, resulted in the seizure of 10,890 euros in cash, fo