The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has extended the contract of Desert Foxes head coach Vladimir Petkovic until 2028, rewarding the Bosnian tactician for transforming Algeria into one of Africa's most competitive sides.

The renewal, confirmed by the federation on Sunday, adds two years beyond Petkovic's original deal, which was set to expire at the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The FAF cited its commitment to "stability and confidence in the work accomplished" as the driving force behind the decision.

Record under Petkovic

Since taking charge in February 2024, Petkovic has overseen 28 matches — winning 21, drawing four, and losing only three. That record places him among the most successful coaches in recent Algerian history.

The former Switzerland coach guided the Desert Foxes to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a painful run of consecutive absences from the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. He also revived Algeria's continental fortunes, steering the team to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after back-to-back group-stage eliminations in the 2021 and 2023 editions.

Algeria's standing in the FIFA world rankings has risen sharply during his tenure — climbing from 43rd to 28th globally, and from seventh to fourth on the African continent.

World Cup opener against Argentina

Algeria will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with considerable momentum. The Desert Foxes open Group J against Argentina on June 17, before facing Jordan and Austria in their remaining fixtures — a draw that promises to test Petkovic's rebuilt side against the very best.

With a stable coaching structure now locked in through 2028, the FAF appears determined to build on what has been a remarkable turnaround under a coach who has clearly earned the federation's long-term trust.