The Algerian women's national football team returned to Algeria on Monday, arriving via a special flight at Houari Boumediene Airport in Algiers around 8 PM, following their historic qualification for the World Cup. The team's return marks a significant moment for Algerian sports, celebrating an achievement that has captivated the nation. This qualification paves the way for their participation in the World Cup finals, which are scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2027. The arrival of the national squad, fresh from their continental success, was met with anticipation and pride, signaling a new era for women's football in the country.
Warm Welcome Home
The team was received at the VIP lounge by FAF Vice-Presidents Mohamed Amine Messlouk and Nasser Charf, Federal Bureau member Nesrine Kotai, and Secretary-General Nadir Bouznad. Their presence showed the importance of the team's achievement to the national football federation. Following their arrival, the delegation proceeded directly to the National Technical Center located in Sidi Moussa. This facility, known for its advanced amenities, provided a fitting venue for the next stage of their celebratory welcome. There, FAF President Walid Sadi hosted a dinner for the players and staff, personally congratulating each member of the successful squad. This reception marked the official commencement of celebrations for their historic qualification for the World Cup, recognizing the dedication and effort that led to this unprecedented success. The atmosphere was one of jubilation, reflecting the collective pride felt across Algeria for the team's new performance.
Historic Tournament Performance
The Algerian women's national football team achieved a significant milestone by reaching the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, securing their qualification for the World Cup. This performance marks the first time the team has advanced to such a late stage in the continental tournament, setting a new benchmark for Algerian women's football. The achievement shows the remarkable progress of women's football in Algeria and sets a new precedent for the national squad on the international stage. Their journey through the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations captivated fans across the country, culminating in the historic qualification that now paves the way for their participation in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The team's successful run in the African competition demonstrated their competitive spirit, tactical prowess, and individual skill against top continental rivals, proving their capability to compete at the highest levels. This historic run in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations ultimately secured their place among the world's elite teams.
Presidential Congratulations
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune extended his heartfelt congratulations to the women's national team for their achievement in reaching the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and securing World Cup qualification. The President conveyed his sentiments via social media, ensuring his message reached a broad audience and noted the national significance of their success. He stated, "My congratulations to the ladies of the national football team, for their historic achievement in qualifying for the Brazil 2027 World Cup… Congratulations to you and to Algeria for this great sporting triumph." President Tebboune's message showed the national significance of the team's success on the international stage, recognizing their contribution to national pride and inspiration for future generations.
Coach's Reflections
Farid Benstiti, the head coach, reflected on the team's achievement, noting their historic run in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. He noted that this exceptional performance culminated in the team securing historic qualification for the upcoming 2027 Women's World Cup finals. Benstiti emphasized the profound significance of this milestone for Algerian women's football, stating that the team's unwavering dedication and hard work had paid off, marking a new and exciting chapter for the sport in the nation. He expressed immense pride in the players' resilience, their strategic approach to each match, and their remarkable ability to compete at a high level on the continental stage, setting a strong precedent for their future international endeavors and inspiring countless young athletes.