Whilst the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup seemed to call for a thorough review, Walid Sadi is reported to have presented a surprisingly positive assessment to the federation’s executive committee. These revelations are likely to further fuel the anger of Algerian supporters.
Algeria’s elimination at the round of 16 stage of the 2026 World Cup continues to send shockwaves through Algerian football. Beaten 2–0 by Switzerland following a group stage that had already been a struggle, the Fennecs exited the tournament with the feeling that they had gone through the competition without ever living up to the immense expectations that had accompanied their return to the world stage. The worrying performances against Argentina, Jordan and then Austria had already sparked deep mistrust towards Vladimir Petkovic, whose tactical choices and management of the squad were widely called into question. His post-match comments, in which he almost seemed to suggest that supporters should be content with simply qualifying for the World Cup and getting through the first round after a 12-year absence, further widened the rift with a public that had hoped for much more from a generation touted as capable of returning to the pinnacle of African football and competing on the international stage.
And in that sense, the Swiss coach’s departure seemed to be only a matter of time. However, the contract extension granted just before the World Cup by the president of the Algerian Football Federation turned what should have been a logical parting of ways into a real financial headache. The club’s directors reportedly tried to negotiate an amicable termination, but the former Switzerland manager had no reason to give up a contract running until 2028 and guaranteeing several million euros. Faced with this impasse, the FAF is said to have finally opted to retain its manager – almost against its will – whilst considering imposing an Algerian assistant on him in order to strengthen his ties with local football. This decision has gone down very badly with some supporters and observers, whilst several media outlets are also reporting a rift with certain international players. Instead of defusing the crisis, this U-turn has only fuelled a climate of widespread mistrust surrounding an increasingly controversial federation.
All is well in the best of all possible worlds for Sadi
As if this situation were not enough, revelations by the media outlet Al Khabar are likely to further inflame the debate. According to the Algerian daily, Walid Sadi is reported to have told members of the federal executive committee that the national team had met, or even exceeded, the targets set for it. The FAF president is reported to have considered the job done, as the target set for the Africa Cup of Nations was to reach the quarter-finals – a goal that was indeed achieved. For the 2026 World Cup, the roadmap was simply to secure qualification, before the Fennecs ultimately managed to get past the first round to reach the round of 16. This assessment stands in stark contrast to the prevailing mood surrounding the national team. Whilst supporters are criticising a sporting failure, a team lacking identity and a worrying dynamic, the head of the federation is, on the contrary, said to be giving an overall positive assessment of his own performance and that of his head coach.
Even more surprising is that Al Khabar claims that no member of the federal executive committee is said to have challenged this account of events. The leaders are said to have simply listened to the president without proposing any alternatives or questioning his decisions, including his decision to unilaterally extend Vladimir Petkovic’s contract ahead of the World Cup in North America. Yet this decision is regarded as one of the main causes of the current crisis. At the same time, the FAF’s communications continue to cause consternation. A recent official video shows Walid Sadi beaming, flanked notably by Saïd Fellak and Nadir Bouzenad, in a staged scene interpreted by many observers as an attempt to project a façade of calm and to quell rumours. But this strategy does nothing to address the questions plaguing Algerian football. Journalists and supporters are demanding, above all, public explanations, clear answers and genuine transparency. In their view, a mere PR exercise will not be enough to restore credibility that has been seriously damaged following the World Cup fiasco and the numerous decisions that followed.
2026 World Cup: Cape Verde’s stars set the transfer market alight
The surprise package of the 2026 World Cup, Cape Verde caused a sensation in their debut tournament. The Blue Sharks, who remained unbeaten over 90 minutes, held Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws before taking Argentina to extra time (3–2). The players in the African side shone and will be able to capitalise on this during the transfer window.
The 2026 World Cup concludes this Sunday and has provided us with plenty of surprises and inspiring stories over the past month. Among them, the Cape Verdean sensation stands out. Having qualified to everyone’s surprise by topping their qualifying group ahead of Cameroon, the African side defied the odds. Facing a tough Group H featuring Spain (0–0), Uruguay (2–2) and Saudi Arabia (0–0), the Blue Sharks managed to finish in second place thanks to three draws. Remaining unbeaten, Bubista’s men then held the reigning world champions, Argentina, to a draw, taking the match into extra time (3–2 after extra time).
An outstanding and moving journey that has propelled some players into the international spotlight. The heroic goalkeeper Vozinha (40) has thrilled the crowds with his performances, becoming a social media star in the process. Now a free agent following the expiry of his contract with Chaves, a Portuguese second-tier club, he is inundated with offers. The Florida-based club Inter Miami are reportedly the favourites to sign him. It would be a fine final contract for a goalkeeper who is slowly approaching retirement. Numerous South American clubs (Atlético Goianense, Ceará, Olimpia, Avai…) and North American clubs (Cruz Azul) are also in the running. He is not the only one able to capitalise on his free-agent status, as five of his teammates are in the same position (Jamiro Monteiro, Yannick Semedo, Jovane Cabral, Willy Semedo and Ryan Mendes).
Some interesting opportunities abroad
Jovane Cabral (28) is, in fact, on the verge of a comeback. The former Sporting CP, Lazio and Olympiacos player has just come off a spell with Estrela de Amadora. And it looks as though Brazil is set to welcome him back. As reported by Globo, Grêmio are said to be very close to signing him on a one-and-a-half-year contract. “He’s a player who has featured in the World Cup, who can play on the left and in the centre, and he’s joining a squad that’s fully committed to its work and its objectives for the season, and I think he has the ability to slot into our squad,” said Luis Castro, his future manager. Yannick Semedo (30) is no longer under contract with Farense and is expected to sign a lucrative new deal in Saudi Arabia. Al-Jabalain, who play in the second division, are reportedly in the running.
Jamiro Monteiro (32) has also benefited from the exposure of the World Cup. The former Metz player is coming off a solid spell in the Netherlands with PEC Zwolle. Having finished a surprising third in last season’s Eredivisie, NEC Nijmegen could be onto a good deal. Diney Borges (31) has just completed a new transfer. Having played for the UAE side Al-Bataeh for the past three years, the centre-back has signed a two-year contract with Sharjah FC in the same league. He could well be joined by a compatriot, as defensive midfielder Kevin Lenini (29) has also caught the eye of Sharjah FC. There has been plenty of movement among Cape Verdean veterans, who have capitalised on the exposure from the World Cup to secure rather lucrative contracts.
