Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic is close to leaving his position at the helm of the Algerian national team, as reports indicate a movement within the Algerian Football Federation to end his tenure with the "Desert Warriors" following a disappointing exit from the 2026 World Cup.
This comes after Algeria was eliminated in the Round of 32, losing 2-0 to Switzerland in a match held at BC Place, amid a performance that sparked widespread criticism within Algerian sports circles.
According to the Algerian newspaper "An-Nahar", federation officials are considering reaching an amicable agreement with Petkovic to terminate his contract, offering him the equivalent of six months' salary, in preparation for appointing a new coach in the upcoming phase.
Other reports, including from "DZ News", suggest that the decision to end the relationship with the Swiss coach could be finalized immediately after the national team's return to Algeria, as there is growing consensus on the need to start a new coaching chapter.
Petkovic earns a monthly salary of approximately €160,000, having had his pay raised from €135,000 just a month ago when his contract was extended for another two years, meaning that reaching an agreement to provide him with six months' salary would cost the Algerian federation nearly €1 million.
Petkovic took charge of the Algerian national team in February 2024, leading the "Greens" to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations before reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. However, the early exit and the team's performance, along with criticism of his tactical choices, have put his future with the national team in jeopardy.
Despite increasing rumors about his departure, the final decision awaits an official announcement from the Algerian Football Federation to determine the future of the coaching staff in the coming period.
