Riyad Mahrez led Algeria to a 3-0 win over Somalia, helping them become the fourth African team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Manchester City and Leicester City star set up Mohamed Amoura’s early goal with a cross, then scored a powerful half-volley himself in the 19th minute.
Mahrez, who was team captain, impressed again in the second half by assisting Amoura’s second goal 12 minutes after the break. Both players were taken off shortly after.
Algeria almost scored more goals, with Youcef Belaili hitting the post. The home crowd in Oran celebrated loudly at the final whistle.
With this win, Algeria have secured first place in Group G with one game still to play. They will return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, when they lost to Germany in the last 16.
Although Somalia were the home team on paper, the match was played in Algeria because Somalia doesn’t have a suitable stadium for international matches.
Algeria now join Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in North and Central America.
Zidane’s Son Called Up
Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, stayed on the bench after switching from France to Algeria. The 27-year-old goalkeeper, who has Algerian grandparents, said his family supported his decision.
“My grandfather is proud I chose Algeria,” he said before the game.
Group G: Uganda Close to Second Place
Uganda moved closer to second place in Group G after beating Botswana 1-0. Jude Ssemugabi scored the winning goal with a header from a corner in the second half.
Uganda now have a three-point lead over Mozambique, who lost 2-1 at home to Guinea. Uganda also have a much better goal difference.
In the final group matches on Monday, Uganda play Algeria away, and Mozambique visit Somalia.
Only the top team from each group qualifies directly, and only four of the best second-place teams from the nine groups will go into the African play-offs. The play-off winner will then play in a final qualifier against a team from another continent.
Group H: Liberia Still in the Race
Liberia kept their hopes alive with a 3-1 home win against Namibia.
They started fast, scoring two goals in the first nine minutes through a penalty by Ayouba Kosiah and a goal from Mamadu Bah. Edward Ledlum added a brilliant third goal late in the game. Namibia scored a late consolation goal through David Ndeunyema.
Namibia are still second in the group with 15 points, just one ahead of Liberia.
In the final games on Monday, Namibia will face group winners Tunisia, while Liberia travel to Equatorial Guinea.
Trouble in Equatorial Guinea
Malawi’s match against Equatorial Guinea was cancelled due to unexpected travel problems faced by the away team.
Equatorial Guinea’s football body later said head coach Juan Micha had been suspended after he and some senior players refused to travel. Assistant coach Casto Nopo will lead the team in Monday’s game against Liberia.
Liberia, Equatorial Guinea, and Malawi could still finish second, depending on how results go. The African football body (CAF) has not yet said whether the cancelled match will be rescheduled.
The second-last round of Africa’s World Cup group matches ends on Friday. Big teams like Senegal and Ivory Coast could secure qualification if results go their way.