Algeria will return to the FIFA U-17 World Cup for the first time in 17 years with ambitions of reaching the second round. The Fennecs have been drawn in Group J alongside the United States, Montenegro and Chile, with their first-round campaign beginning against Chile.
The tournament represents Algeria’s first appearance at this level since 2009, when the competition was held in Nigeria. Their only previous participation in the FIFA U-17 World Cup ended at the group stage, but the team now hopes to make a stronger impression and progress beyond the opening phase.
Algeria’s group appears evenly matched, with the three opponents regarded as teams within their reach. The Fennecs will begin their campaign against Chile, a match that should provide an early indication of their level and their ambitions in the competition.
The result of that opening game could shape the mood around Algeria’s campaign before they face Montenegro in their second fixture. Their first-round programme will then conclude against the United States, giving them a final opportunity to secure progress from Group J.
The Algerian side will draw confidence from its performances at the CAN U17. Collective strength and determination remain among the team’s main qualities, and those characteristics were evident during their continental campaign.
After failing to advance from the group stage in 2009, Algeria are now determined to take the next step on their return to the world stage. The team’s objective is to reach the second round, although the opening match against Chile will be an important first test of whether that target can be achieved.
The Fennecs’ schedule in the first round of the FIFA U-17 World Cup is:
21 November, 13:30 Chile v Algeria
24 November, 13:30 Algeria v Montenegro
27 November, 15:00 Algeria v United States
The meeting with Chile will officially mark Algeria’s return to the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Two further Group J matches against Montenegro and the United States will follow before the first round is completed.
For a generation seeking to write a new chapter in Algerian youth football, the campaign offers an opportunity to improve on the country’s previous record in the competition. Algeria’s last and only appearance in the final tournament ended without progression, but the current group has given the Fennecs a clear route towards the second round.
Their collective quality and fighting spirit will be tested from the opening whistle. The first result, followed by the challenge posed by Montenegro and the final meeting with the United States, will determine whether Algeria can turn their long-awaited return into a successful tournament campaign.
