Algeria national team: Who holds the record for most goals in the qualifiers?

World Cup qualifiers: Who is Algeria’s all-time top scorer?

Indeed, Algeria is closer than ever to making a return to the global stage. Leading their group with 19 points, Vladimir Petkovic’s side needs just one victory against Somalia to officially book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With a four-point lead over Uganda, the Fennecs are perfectly positioned to make their World Cup comeback, twelve years after their last appearance.

Islam Slimani, historic top scorer in the qualifiers

A true symbol of this golden generation, Islam Slimani continues to make history. The CFR Cluj striker remains Algeria’s all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers, with 18 goals in 24 matches—an impressive strike rate of 0.75 goals per game. He netted 5 goals during the 2014 qualifiers, 4 in 2018, and 9 in the campaign for the 2022 World Cup. Behind him, Sofiane Feghouli follows with 7 goals in 17 matches, while Riyad Mahrez completes the podium with 6 goals and 8 assists in 20 appearances.

The Fennecs’ captain, now playing for Al-Ahli, hopes to cap off his international journey with one last World Cup in 2026 before possibly bidding farewell to the national stage. That dream starts with a crucial win over Somalia in Oran this Thursday—a match loaded with symbolism.

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