Algeria will return to the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time in 17 years, with the Fennecs aiming to reach the knockout stage after being drawn alongside the United States, Montenegro and Chile.
Algeria will compete in Group J at the upcoming tournament, a section that appears evenly matched and offers them a realistic opportunity to progress. Their campaign will begin against Chile on 21 November, in a fixture that is expected to provide the first clear indication of the team’s ambitions.
The opening result could prove important before Algeria face Montenegro in their second group match. The Fennecs will then complete the first round against the United States, giving them three different tests as they pursue a place in the second round.
This will be only Algeria’s second appearance in the final tournament of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Their previous and only participation came in 2009 in Nigeria, when they were eliminated in the first round.
The objective this time is to go beyond that early exit. Algeria’s hopes are built largely on their collective strength and competitive spirit, qualities they displayed during the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The group-stage schedule gives the Fennecs a defined route to achieving that ambition. A positive start against Chile would provide momentum, while the meeting with Montenegro could become a key contest in determining the shape of the group. The final fixture against the United States will bring the first-round campaign to a close.
For a side returning to the global stage after such a lengthy absence, the opening match carries added significance. Algeria will be seeking not only to mark their comeback, but also to show from the outset that they can challenge for a place beyond the group stage.
Algeria’s FIFA U-17 World Cup schedule
- 21 November, 13:30: Chile v Algeria - 24 November, 13:30: Algeria v Montenegro - 27 November, 15:00: Algeria v United States