Viva Algérie

Analysis

World Cup 2026: official review of Algeria and Morocco

Verified FIFA results: Algeria's path, Morocco s path and a Maghreb reading after Spain's title.

By Viva Algérie Editorial3 min read
MetLife Stadium interior used for 2026 final context

Editorial update: research completed on 21 July 2026 at 15:15 (Africa/Casablanca), after the 19 July final.

The 2026 World Cup is over: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time on 19 July, according to FIFA. For Algeria and Morocco, the review must start from official results: Algeria exited in the Round of 32 against Switzerland; Morocco stopped in the quarter-finals against France.

Key points

  • Algeria: Argentina 3-0, Jordan 1-2 Algeria, Algeria 3-3 Austria, Switzerland 2-0 Algeria.
  • Morocco: Brazil 1-1, Scotland 0-1 Morocco, Morocco 4-2 Haiti, Netherlands 1-1 Morocco (2-3 pens), Canada 0-3 Morocco, France 2-0 Morocco.
  • Spain are 2026 world champions, Argentina runners-up and England third, according to FIFA.

Algeria: useful return, early exit

Algeria were back at the World Cup for the first time since 2014. The official path shows a team capable of reacting against Jordan and Austria, but punished by Argentina and then Switzerland. The review is mixed: progress from the group phase, but a gap to close in knockout football.

Algeria team bus in Vancouver
Algeria returned to the World Cup in 2026 and advanced from the group phase. Credit : Northwest, CC BY 4.0.

Morocco: continuity at African high level

Morocco confirmed a high level after 2022: second in the group, penalty shootout win over the Netherlands, 3-0 against Canada, then a 2-0 defeat to France. The quarter-final confirms continental consistency, even if the semi-final step was not reached this time.

Morocco team photo in 2026
Morocco confirmed its regular presence in late international rounds. Credit : Abdelali Bentarki, CC BY 4.0.

A Maghreb reading without easy rivalry

Comparing Algeria and Morocco should not turn football into national conflict. The two paths say different things: Algeria returned to the global stage; Morocco consolidated its rank. For more context, read our analysis, news, blog.

Aerial view of Kansas City stadium
Kansas City hosted the spectacular Algeria-Austria 3-3 match in Group J. Credit : Ichabod, CC BY-SA 4.0.

What to watch

Watch: post-tournament FIFA rankings, federation decisions, AFCON/qualification calendars and official technical reviews. Match figures must stay aligned with FIFA.

Main sources

FAQ

Who won the 2026 World Cup?

Spain, 1-0 against Argentina after extra time on 19 July 2026.

How far did Algeria go?

To the Round of 32, losing 2-0 to Switzerland.

How far did Morocco go?

To the quarter-finals, losing 2-0 to France.

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