Mohamed Bachir Belloumi produced a decisive performance from the bench to help Hull City AFC secure a place in the Championship play-off final, strengthening his hopes of earning a place in Algeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 23-year-old forward scored one goal and created another as Hull City defeated Millwall FC 2-0 at The Den in London on Monday in the Championship play-off semi-final.
With the match level at 0-0 deep into the second half, Belloumi transformed the contest shortly after being introduced from the bench.
The Algerian attacker opened the scoring in the 64th minute with a precise left-footed strike before later setting up Hull’s second goal with a clever pass for teammate Joe Gelhardt in the 79th minute.
The result booked Hull City’s place in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium on 23 May, where they will face either Middlesbrough FC or Southampton FC for a place in next season’s Premier League.
Belloumi’s Form Comes at Crucial Time for Algeria
Belloumi’s standout display arrived only a month before the start of the 2026 World Cup, at a time when the forward is hoping to attract the attention of Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic.
The winger has represented the Algerian senior national team once before, during a training camp in October 2023 under former coach Djamel Belmadi.
That camp included friendly matches against Cape Verde national football team and Egypt national football team.
Belloumi has also featured for several Algerian youth national teams and is now seeking a return to the senior squad ahead of football’s biggest tournament.
A successful promotion campaign with Hull City could significantly strengthen his case for inclusion.
Hull City Chase First Premier League Return in Nine Years
Hull are now one victory away from returning to the Premier League for the first time in nine years.
Bosnian coach Sergej Jakirović is aiming to guide the Tigers back to the top flight with the help of experienced figures including Oli McBurnie and Matt Crooks, alongside emerging talents such as Belloumi.
Coventry City FC and Ipswich Town FC had already secured automatic promotion to the Premier League after finishing first and second respectively in the Championship standings.
The remaining promotion spot is being decided through the play-offs contested by the clubs finishing between third and sixth place.
Hull City finished sixth this season, a major improvement after ending the previous campaign in 21st place.
Son of Algerian Legend Following His Own Path
Belloumi joined Hull City in the summer of 2024 from Portuguese side SC Farense in a deal reportedly worth €5.5m.
His progress this season has been disrupted by two separate injuries that caused him to miss nearly half of Hull’s matches.
Despite those setbacks, the Algerian forward has contributed five goals and four assists during the campaign.
Belloumi is also carrying the legacy of one of Algeria’s greatest football names. He is the son of Lakhdar Belloumi, widely regarded as one of the country’s football legends.
Now, with Wembley and possible Premier League promotion within reach, Mohamed Bachir Belloumi has the opportunity to build a reputation of his own — while potentially forcing his way back into Algeria’s World Cup plans.
