The Algerian Football Federation has confirmed that head coach Vladimir Petkovic has left his role by mutual agreement, just weeks after leading the national team at the World Cup this summer.

Despite only handing the 62-year-old a contract extension before the tournament began, the federation has moved quickly to sever ties following Algeria's elimination from the competition.

In an official statement, the federation said: "The Algerian Football Federation announce that their contractual relationship with the national team head coach, Mr. Vladimir Petkovic, and his coaching staff has officially come to an end today, on a mutual agreement between the two parties."

Petkovic's Tenure in Numbers

Petkovic, who replaced Djamel Belmadi in 2024, oversaw 33 matches across all competitions during his time at the helm, winning 23 of those while drawing five and losing five. His tenure included a run to the quarter-finals of the African Cup of Nations in 2025, and he successfully guided Algeria to World Cup qualification for the first time since the 2014 edition in Brazil.

At the World Cup, Algeria advanced from Group J as one of the best third-place teams, collecting four points from their group-stage fixtures. Their campaign featured an enthralling 3-3 draw with Austria, and they reached the knockout stages for only the second time in their history before being beaten 2-0 by Switzerland at BC Place in the last 32.

Mahrez Calls Time on International Career

Petkovic's departure is not the only change sweeping through the Algerian national team. Captain Riyad Mahrez announced his international retirement in the wake of Algeria's World Cup exit, bringing an end to a distinguished international career.

Mahrez retires as Algeria's second-most capped player with 119 appearances and their second-highest scorer with 40 goals, cementing his legacy as one of the nation's all-time greats.

What's Next for Algeria?

It looks set to be a period of significant transition for Algeria as they search for a new head coach to lead them into the next cycle. The Desert Foxes will begin qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in September, having been drawn in Group I alongside Zambia, Togo, and Burundi.