Full Breakdown
Brahim Hemdani Named New Head Coach of Algeria Football Team
9/5/2026, 7:51:53 PM
Appointment Details
On September 5, 2026, state television reported that Brahim Hemdani, a 48-year-old former midfielder born in France, has been appointed head coach of the Algeria national football team. Hemdani earned two senior caps for Algeria as a player and most recently guided the under-21 side to a gold medal at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy. He succeeds Vladimir Petkovic, whose tenure was terminated by the Algerian Football Federation earlier this year despite a contract extension to 2028.
Recent Competitive Context
Petkovic led Algeria to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, matching the team’s 2014 achievement, before a 2-0 loss to Switzerland in the round of 32. Earlier in the year, Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended with a 2-0 quarter-final defeat to Nigeria. The coaching change follows these mixed results as the federation seeks a new cycle ahead of upcoming tournaments.
Key Figures
- Brahim Hemdani — Former Marseille midfielder, two senior caps for Algeria, Mediterranean Games under-21 gold-medal coach.
- Vladimir Petkovic — Swiss coach, led Algeria to the 2026 World Cup round of 32, contract originally set through 2028.
- Algerian Football Federation — Governing body that ended Petkovic’s tenure and appointed Hemdani.
Implications for Upcoming Competitions
Hemdani inherits a senior squad that has demonstrated the ability to reach World Cup knockout stages but also showed vulnerability in recent knockout matches. His limited senior-level coaching experience contrasts with his recent success at the youth level, suggesting the federation is prioritizing continuity from the under-21 program. The appointment signals a strategic shift as Algeria prepares for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup cycle and upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
