In recent years, Algeria has experienced a significant leap in the sports sector, marked by a revolution in infrastructure and the construction of state-of-the-art stadiums. This progress has been accompanied by meticulous organization of numerous events and competitions, such as the Mediterranean Games, the Arab Games, and the African Nations Championship for local players (CHAN), among others. These efforts have demonstrated Algeria’s remarkable capacity to host major sporting events.
Algeria’s commitment to organizing these events began with the 2022 Mediterranean Games, which were a resounding success in terms of organization. The city of Oran, known as the capital of western Algeria, played host and received high praise from international sports and media organizations.
A new challenge was met with the African Nations Championship for local players in early 2023, along with the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Although Algeria later withdrew its bid to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations due to behind-the-scenes maneuvering against it.
The latest edition of the Arab Games was also held in Algeria with excellent organization, further proving the country’s ability and tradition of hosting large-scale sporting events.
Regarding foundational structures, Algeria’s youth and sports sector has seen a significant renaissance in facilities, with the inauguration of world-class stadiums equipped with the latest technology. These include “Miloud Hadefi” Stadium in Oran, “Nelson Mandela” Stadium in Baraki, “Ali Ammar” Stadium in Douera, and “Hocine Aït Ahmed” Stadium in Tizi Ouzou. Additionally, some of Algeria’s major stadiums have undergone restructuring, such as the “5 July” Stadium in Algiers, the “Chahid Hamlaoui” Stadium in Constantine, and the “19 May” Stadium in Annaba, now presenting a modernized and refreshed appearance.
Southern Algeria has also received attention, with the foundation laid for a new sports complex in Béchar, featuring a covered stadium with a capacity of 25,000 seats, an athletics stadium with 6,500 seats, a semi-Olympic swimming pool with 1,200 seats, and a multifunctional sports hall with 400 seats.
Ouargla Province has similarly benefited from a project to build a sports complex that includes a football stadium with 25,000 seats and an Olympic swimming pool.
Algeria’s participation in the Mediterranean Games showcased unprecedented excellence, earning 53 medals, including 20 golds, and placing Algeria fourth overall in the rankings for the first time.
Algeria A’ national football team made headlines by winning the Arab Cup in Doha, Qatar, after defeating all their knockout stage opponents, including Morocco, Qatar, and finally Tunisia.
The defeat in the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) by penalty shootout does not overshadow the commendable journey of Madjid Bougherra’s team and their successive victories throughout the tournament, witch has garnered praise from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who highlighted Algeria’s exceptional hosting of the event.
The Algerian U-17 national football team also achieved victory by defeating Morocco, becoming the Arab champion in autumn 2022.
Union Sportive de la Médina d’Alger (USMA) triumphed in the CAF Confederation Cup on June 3, 2023, followed by the “Super Cup” against African giant Al Ahly of Egypt, bringing yet another prestigious title home.
Algerian athletes continued to shine at the African Games in Ghana in March of the previous year, garnering a total of 115 medals, including 29 golds, and securing a fourth-place finish in the overall rankings.
For the Paris 2024 Olympics, Algeria has participated with 46 athletes across 15 disciplines for the first time, receiving substantial support and consistent backing for optimal preparation for this global event.
The Algerian national anthem “Qassaman” echoed twice in the Paris skies as Iman Khelif and Kaïlya Nemour were crowned champions with gold medals in boxing and gymnastics, respectively. The Algerian flag soared high in France, further honored by runner Djamel Sedjati’s accomplishment of securing a bronze medal.
