Head coach Farid Benstiti is approaching the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 with quiet confidence, convinced that Algeria women’s national football team have the tools to unsettle more fancied opponents.
The North Africans arrive at their seventh final tournament buoyed by steady progress in recent years. With expectations measured and pressure largely absent, Algeria are embracing their role as a side on the rise, determined to continue building momentum on the continental stage.
At the heart of their optimism lies a formidable defensive record that has become the team’s defining identity. Algeria were one of the standout defensive units at the previous edition, 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they did not concede a single goal. Four clean sheets underlined their discipline, while an extraordinary 416-minute unbeaten run highlighted their resilience.
Remarkably, Algeria’s last goal conceded in the competition dates back to 2018, a statistic that reinforces their reputation as one of the most difficult teams to break down in African women’s football.
Despite entering a competitive group, Benstiti is confident his side can thrive in the underdog role.
“Algeria, compared to Senegal, are currently a team that will certainly pose problems for the other three teams,” he said. “And I feel that we have what it takes to be spoilers in this group. And that suits me perfectly because we have made a lot of progress.”
With a solid defensive foundation and growing belief, Algeria will look to frustrate opponents and capitalize on key moments, aiming to turn their reputation as disciplined outsiders into a genuine threat as WAFCON 2026 unfolds.
