A late strike from Anis Hadj Moussa secured a statement victory for Algeria as they beat Netherlands 1-0 in an international friendly in the Netherlands, boosting confidence ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The match, played at a packed Dutch stadium, looked set to end in a stalemate until Hadj Moussa struck late on, punishing the hosts after a tightly contested second half. The result offers a significant morale lift for Algeria, who are building momentum ahead of a demanding World Cup campaign.
The Desert Foxes showed resilience throughout, absorbing sustained spells of Dutch possession while remaining dangerous on the counterattack. Their defensive organisation frustrated the hosts for long periods, with Algeria growing into the match after a cautious opening phase.
Netherlands controlled much of the ball but struggled to create clear chances against a disciplined Algerian back line. When opportunities did come, Algeria’s goalkeeper and defensive unit stood firm, ensuring the game remained finely balanced deep into the second half.
The decisive moment arrived late, when Algeria broke forward quickly and Hadj Moussa found space inside the box to finish clinically, silencing the home crowd and sparking celebrations among the travelling supporters.
The win is being seen as an important benchmark for Algeria’s preparations for the World Cup. They have been drawn in Group J, where they will face Argentina, Austria and Jordan in what is expected to be a highly competitive group.
For Algeria, the victory underlines their ability to compete against top European opposition and adds belief that they can challenge more established sides on the global stage. The performance was particularly encouraging given the level of control Netherlands typically exert in home fixtures.
Coach and staff will take positives not only from the result but also from the tactical discipline shown throughout the match. The side remained compact without the ball and showed greater fluidity in transition, especially in the closing stages when they pushed for a winner rather than settling for a draw.
Anis Hadj Moussa’s decisive contribution will also strengthen his case for a more prominent role in the squad going into the tournament. His composure in front of goal proved the difference in an otherwise evenly matched contest.
While it remains only a friendly, the victory carries symbolic weight for Algeria as they continue their World Cup preparations. Beating a side of Netherlands’ calibre away from home is likely to be viewed internally as a sign that the team is heading in the right direction.
