The alternative is revealed. Algeria is considering expelling Petkovic.

Algeria’s football federation is considering sacking Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic following Switzerland’s 0-2 exit from the 2026 World Cup round of 32 amid clashes with current Nigeria coach Mali coach Eric Schell.

According to French website Foot Mercato, the Algerian federation have contacted Ciel, 48, to take over at the Desert Warriors despite Petkovic’s contract being extended for two years just a month ago, in a decision that has sparked widespread controversy in the Algerian football community.

The loss to Switzerland was a shock for the Algerian officials, especially after the puzzling tactical choice of Petkovic, who started the game without a clear striker, prompting Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi to say after the game: “It surprised us.”

Although Algeria managed to get past the group stage for the second time in their history, benefiting from the new system, which includes 48 teams and favors the best third-placed teams, the performance on the pitch was not convincing.

Algeria avoided meeting Spain by finishing third and earned a draw against Switzerland, but Petkovic’s men failed to capitalize despite having the qualities they needed in theory.

Sele is considered the most popular choice to replace Petkovic due to his deep knowledge of African football, having led Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and also previously coached Algerian club Oran before joining Nigeria in 2025.

The coach overhauled the Green Eagles as they guided them to a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations after a disappointing World Cup qualifier, losing on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo.