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Algeria to face Switzerland in World Cup 2026 round of 16 match in Vancouver
via Algérie3603 min read
Algeria will play Switzerland on July 3 at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. This marks an unprecedented knockout stage appearance for Algerian football in a World Cup. The match features a tactical duel between Vladimir Petkovic, current coach of Algeria, and the Swiss national team he managed for seven years from 2014 to 2021. Petkovic led Switzerland to the Euro 2021 quarterfinals, eliminating France in the round of 16. Algeria qualified for this stage after finishing third in Group J with four points. Switzerland, led by Murat Yakin, arrives in strong form, having drawn 1-1 with Qatar, beaten Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1, and defeated Canada 2-1 in the group stage, scoring seven goals and conceding three. Petkovic expressed confidence, stating he knows Switzerland's playing style well despite roster changes, and plans thorough analysis. Yakin, Petkovic's successor since 2021, also acknowledged the reunion and Algeria's individual qualities. The match will be officiated by an Argentinian trio led by Yael Falcón Pérez. The game will be broadcast on Algerian national terrestrial channel and German channel ZDF, as well as beIN Sports 1 France for subscribers. Kick-off is scheduled for 4 AM Algerian time. Should Algeria qualify, they will face the winner of the Colombia-Ghana match, also in Vancouver.
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Two Syrian nationals, aged 19 and 26, have been detained in Germany following the death of a 25-year-old Algerian man in Bad Langensalza. The district court issued arrest warrants for involuntary manslaughter after a violent altercation on Augustinerplatz on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, around 5 PM. The conflict, which involved eight to ten people, escalated in front of a hair salon and a cafe. During the fight, a knife and irritant gas were reportedly used. The Algerian national sustained severe stab wounds and later died in the hospital. Several other participants were also injured and required medical attention. Police investigations are ongoing, with the knife believed to be used in the attack recovered at the scene. Due to language barriers, interpreters are being used to reconstruct the events. The police have appealed to the public for photos or videos of the incident. The mayor of Bad Langensalza, Matthias Reinz, described the confrontation as a conflict between two groups of migrants and urged calm and respect for the judicial process.
Must ReadMohamed Arkab, Algeria's Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, met with Snorre Erichsen Skjevrak, Norway's Vice Minister of Energy, and a high-level delegation including the Norwegian Ambassador to Algeria and executives from the Equinor oil group. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, aimed to strengthen cooperation and partnership between Algeria and Norway in the hydrocarbons sector. Discussions focused on evaluating current cooperation between Sonatrach and Equinor, particularly through the In Salah and In Amenas projects, and exploring prospects for development in hydrocarbon research, exploration, development, and production activities. The parties also considered new investment opportunities, the expansion of exploration activities, and the development of oil and gas fields. Cooperation in natural gas, liquefied natural gas LNG, and petrochemicals was also addressed. Energy transition and environmental protection were central to the exchanges, with discussions on projects to reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions, as well as carbon capture and storage CCS technologies. Algeria seeks to leverage Norwegian expertise in decarbonization and low-emission technological solutions to support sustainable development efforts. Mr. Arkab reiterated Algeria's commitment to improving the business climate and attracting quality investments, highlighting the advantages of the hydrocarbons law and regulatory framework. Mr. Schjøvrak expressed satisfaction wi
Must ReadThe French National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office PNAT has requested the release of Smaïl R., an agent from the Algerian consulate in Créteil, who has been detained since April 12, 2025. He is accused of involvement in the alleged kidnapping of Amir Boukhors, known as "Amir DZ." This case has been a source of significant diplomatic tension between Paris and Algiers, leading to the reciprocal expulsion of twenty-four diplomats. The PNAT's request for release, made on June 11, marks a shift in its position, as it had previously rejected all requests for Smaïl R.'s release. Although the judge of liberties and detention rejected the release request on June 18, the defense immediately appealed. The appeal will be heard by the Paris Court of Appeal's investigation chamber by July 13. The PNAT has indicated that Smaïl R.'s continued detention is no longer essential for the investigation, given the proposed strict judicial supervision measures, which include residency in Val-d'Oise, weekly check-ins with the police, confiscation of identity papers, and a ban on contact with individuals targeted by the magistrate. The alleged kidnapping incident occurred on April 29, 2024, when Amir DZ claimed he was abducted by four individuals posing as police officers. The investigation intensified in February 2025, with the PNAT involving the criminal brigade and accusing two Algerian officials. The detention of Smaïl R. remains a sensitive issue in Franco-Algerian relations, particularly aft