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Murat Yakin discusses Switzerland vs. Algeria and reunion with Petkovic ahead of World Cup 2026
via Algérie3602 min read
Switzerland's national team coach, Murat Yakin, has expressed respect for the Algerian team ahead of their World Cup 2026 round of 16 match on Friday, July 3, at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. Yakin stated that Algeria is an "interesting opponent with a lot of individual qualities" and that his team is looking forward to the encounter. His comments, relayed by the Swiss Football Association, follow Algeria's 3-3 draw with Austria, which secured their qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. Yakin and his staff collectively watched the Algeria-Austria match, with the coach noting it was an "interesting game with a very lively end." He confirmed that intensive preparations for the match against Algeria are now underway. The upcoming match also marks a personal reunion between Yakin and Vladimir Petkovic, the current coach of the Algerian team. Petkovic previously coached the Swiss national team, "La Nati," for seven years from 2014 to 2021, and Yakin succeeded him in 2021. Yakin mentioned, "It will be an opportunity to meet Vlado again, whom I know from our meetings in Switzerland." Petkovic is reportedly familiar with the Swiss system, including training habits, tactical schemes, and player profiles.
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Must ReadThe Institut Pasteur d'Algérie IPA has been officially recognized by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Africa CDC as a regional center of excellence in biosafety and biosecurity for North Africa. This designation, announced by the Ministry of Health, follows a rigorous evaluation process that included an official application in October 2025 and a detailed audit by Africa CDC experts in February 2026. The Ministry of Health views this as continental recognition of Algeria's scientific expertise and the advanced technical capabilities of its biological risk management platforms. This decision reflects the African Union's health authorities' confidence in Algerian scientific institutions. The IPA is now tasked with enhancing health security in North Africa by leading specialized training and developing expertise in neighboring countries, as well as facilitating scientific exchanges to address biological threats. As part of this new role, the IPA is currently hosting a Level I training course on biological containment engineering at its Sidi Fredj site from June 29 to July 3, bringing together North African specialists selected by Africa CDC. This initiative aims to strengthen Algeria's health independence and extend its influence across the continent.
Must ReadA new decree, part of the 2026 finance law, will modify eligibility criteria for personalized housing aid APL for students in France. Effective July 1, 2026, non-European students who are not recipients of higher education scholarships based on social criteria will no longer have access to APL. This measure, adopted by the National Assembly and validated by the Constitutional Council, aims to control APL expenditures. Students in apprenticeships or those working at least one hour per week alongside their studies will still be eligible for housing aid. Student and housing access organizations have criticized the measure, likening it to "national preference." The Housing Foundation highlights the financial vulnerability of foreign students, noting that they already relied on food aid three times more than French students in 2023. The removal of APL, a significant financial support, is expected to reduce their monthly budgets by 150 to 250 euros. The Constitutional Council, however, deemed the measure constitutional, stating that legislators pursued an "objective of general interest" and that the principle of equality does not prevent different treatment for different situations for reasons of general interest. An interpretive reservation was issued, requiring the law to respect the Constitution's preamble, which mandates the nation to guarantee conditions for development and suitable means of existence for everyone. Existing disparities in treatment for non-European foreigners
Algeria's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari, met with a delegation from Jade University of Applied Sciences, led by its president, Professor Manfred Weisensee. This meeting followed the signing of a partnership and cooperation agreement between the University of Algiers 1 and the German university. The agreement focuses on a dual degree program for Algerian and German students, aiming to provide joint academic training and enhance their scientific and professional opportunities internationally. The partnership also seeks to develop academic exchange programs and increase bilateral university mobility for students, teachers, and researchers. Additionally, the agreement will boost scientific cooperation between the two universities through joint scientific events and research projects in advanced disciplines of mutual interest. Jade University of Applied Sciences, a public German institution established in 2009, offers over 50 bachelor's and master's programs across three campuses, with approximately 6,400 students and over 200 professors, and maintains a network of nearly 90 partner universities worldwide.