Felix Sanchez in Algeria coaching race after Qatar success
Felix Sanchez, former Qatar national team coach, has emerged as a strong candidate to take over as Algeria's manager following his success at the 2022 World Cup. This development comes after the Algerian Football Federation terminated the contract of former coach Vladimir Petkovic on August 4, 2026, following a disappointing performance at the 2026 World Cup, where Algeria finished 4th in their group with just 1 point from 3 matches, scoring 2 goals and conceding 10, and losing their last two games against Switzerland and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Why is Sanchez competing for the Algeria job?
A source close to the Algerian Football Federation revealed that Sanchez, who led Qatar to the 2022 World Cup, has become one of the leading candidates to take over as Algeria's coach. Sanchez is an attractive option due to his experience managing national teams, particularly after his success with Qatar at the 2022 World Cup. He also led Ecuador in the 2024 Copa America before moving to coach Qatari club Al-Sadd.
What are the next steps?
The Algerian Federation will hold a meeting next Thursday to discuss the identity of the new coach. The final choice is expected to be announced by the end of this week. The monthly salary is one of the decisive factors in the selection, as Sanchez competes with other coaches such as Rafael Benitez, Roberto Martinez, and Xavi Hernandez.
How does this affect Qatar's future?
Currently, the Qatar national team is focused on preparing for upcoming matches in the 2026 World Cup, aiming to improve their performance after a modest start to the tournament. With a new coach in Algeria, the competitive landscape in the region may change, potentially affecting Qatar's strategy in future matches.
