A group-stage exit in 1982 had been a sobering lesson. Algeria returned in 1986 with renewed purpose. Under Rabah Saâdane, they were ready to write the next chapter.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 9 |
| 2 |
|
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| 3 |
|
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 1 |
| 4 |
|
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 1 |
Algeria's campaign never truly ignited, and a group stage exit brought an early end to their World Cup hopes. Goals proved hard to come by, with just 1 in 3 matches, and their lack of firepower ultimately told.
Algeria endured a difficult group stage, unable to advance despite moments of resistance. Their campaign featured a 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland, a narrow 0-1 loss to Brazil, and a heavy 0-3 defeat to Spain. Algeria's tournament ended at the the opening round, a campaign that never truly got going.
1drawn2lost
1scored5conceded
Winless throughout failed to score in 2 of 3 matches.
Djamel Zidane led Algeria's attack with 1 goal at the 1986 World Cup.
The tactical mind behind Algeria's 1986 campaign. Winless under Saâdane leading Algeria at his first World Cup.
Algeria employed an attacking formation but struggled to break down the strong defenses of their opponents. A narrow draw against Northern Ireland was not enough to compensate for the heavy defeats at the hands of Brazil and Spain.
