Vladimir Petkovic is attracting interest from several World Cup teams in Africa and Asia even as his position as Algeria coach comes under intense scrutiny following the country’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.
The 62-year-old, heavily criticised by Algerian supporters after the Fennecs were knocked out in the round of 32, is said to be on the radar of one African national team and two Asian sides, according to Algerian outlet Echorouk News.
All three national teams reportedly took part in this summer’s World Cup, underlining the continued esteem in which the Swiss‐Bosnian coach is held beyond Algeria, despite the backlash at home.
No names have yet emerged, and the federations concerned are understood to be waiting for a final decision from the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) on Petkovic’s future before firming up any approach.
FAF split over Petkovic’s future
Inside Algeria, Petkovic’s position is far from settled. The technical committee of the FAF is believed to favour keeping him in charge, but only on the condition that he overhauls the rest of his backroom staff – a demand the coach is not thought to welcome.
In parallel, the federation is reported to be dreaming of appointing a Spanish coach should Petkovic depart, suggesting that an alternative path has already been mapped out if talks with the current boss break down.
Algeria’s early exit at the 2026 World Cup – eliminated in the last 32 after an underwhelming group phase and knockout performance – has intensified pressure on Petkovic, who had been brought in with the expectation of restoring the Fennecs to the latter stages of major tournaments.
Interest clouded by past transfer rumours
The fresh reports of interest from abroad are being treated with caution in Algeria, where memories linger of earlier transfer rumours surrounding Petkovic.
Before the World Cup, speculation circulated that Poland were preparing an offer for the coach at a time when he was negotiating a contract extension with Algeria. Those rumours ultimately came to nothing.
After Algeria’s failure at the tournament, denials emerged suggesting that the Polish interest had been little more than a trial balloon launched by the FAF. According to those claims, the idea was to create the impression that another federation was attempting to lure Petkovic away, thereby helping to justify the renewal of his contract through to 2028.
That episode has led many observers to urge care in interpreting the latest links with African and Asian national teams, amid questions over whether they signal genuine opportunities or are again part of a wider internal power struggle.
Coach’s reputation remains strong abroad
Despite the mixed results with Algeria, Petkovic’s international reputation appears robust. He is widely recognised for his previous work with Switzerland, notably leading them to consistent major tournament qualifications and a series of competitive performances on the biggest stage.
That track record may explain why nations that featured at the 2026 World Cup are monitoring his situation closely, aware that he could become available if relations with the FAF deteriorate further.
For now, the coach’s future hinges on discussions in Algiers: whether he is willing to accept a significant restructuring of his staff, and whether the federation is prepared to either back him fully or turn to the Spanish alternative it is said to covet.
With interest from three World Cup-qualified nations in the background, any decision by Algeria is likely to have swift repercussions across two continents, ensuring that Petkovic’s next move will be followed closely well beyond North Africa.
