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Rabah Madjer warns Algeria that Switzerland will be a tougher opponent than Spain in World Cup 2026
via Algérie3602 min read
Algerian football legend Rabah Madjer believes Switzerland could pose a more significant challenge to the national team than Spain would have, ahead of their World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match on Friday, July 3, in Vancouver. Madjer's analysis challenges pre-tournament predictions, noting that Spain, considered a group favorite, drew with Cape Verde in their opening match. He stated on the MBC show "Nadina" that "Spain is no longer the team we have known in recent years." Madjer concluded that while many expected Spain to be Algeria's toughest opponent, Switzerland might prove more difficult. Switzerland finished first in Group B with seven points, securing a 4-1 victory against Bosnia and a 2-1 win over Canada, after an initial 1-1 draw with Qatar. They have scored seven goals and conceded three, indicating a solid and organized team. Key players include Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, Gregor Kobel, and Breel Embolo. Madjer acknowledges Switzerland's strengths but emphasizes that the Algerian team should focus on its collective qualities, fighting spirit, and strong personality rather than the opponent's reputation. Historically, Algeria and Switzerland have never met in an official competition, with their only previous encounters being two friendly matches in the 1980s, both won by Switzerland. Algeria's coach, Petkovic, is familiar with the Swiss system, having led the Nati through four major competitions and reaching the Euro 2020 quarterfinals.
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Must ReadLounas Bouzegza, the Minister of Hydraulics, emphasized the critical importance of Algeria's water sector, noting its significant development and direct link to the country's economic and social progress. He reiterated that water security is a top priority for the state. To address climatic challenges, the minister highlighted the need to utilize all available resources, including seawater desalination, wastewater treatment, and dam construction. Algeria currently has 82 operational dams, with five more under construction, bringing the total storage capacity to over 8 billion cubic meters, with current reserves at 4.5 billion cubic meters. Bouzegza revealed that 40% of Algeria's current water consumption comes from desalination, showcasing advancements in diversifying supply sources. He assured a stable and comfortable water security situation for Algeria, attributing it to major public investment programs. To meet increased demand during the summer, the sector, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, has implemented measures such as increasing water quotas from dams, utilizing desalination plants that serve 16 coastal wilayas, and commissioning 91 new boreholes as part of a larger program of over 400 wells. The minister described Algeria as a regional leader in seawater desalination, calling these infrastructures a highly strategic choice. The national network now includes 19 major desalination plants with a production capacity of 3.8 million cubic meters per day, sup
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.
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.