Mandi will be one of Algeria’s key players at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Lille defender opened up in a lengthy exclusive interview with FIFA
The Fennecs will face Argentina, Austria and Jordan in Group J
Over the course of his international career, which has brought 114 caps so far, Aissa Mandi has experienced a great deal at the – the euphoria of magnificent run at Brazil 2014, the frustration of failing to qualify for the next two tournaments, and the joy of returning to the world’s premier football competition.
Now firmly established as one of the Fennecs’ key players, he approaches his role with pride and responsibility, a key cog in a team supported by an entire nation. Mandi believes that, if Algeria are to repeat or even improve on their best-ever showing in the competition – the 2014 round-of-16 tie in which they pushed Germany all the way before losing 2-1 in extra time – they will need to draw on the lessons learnt from the past and on a united squad, as he revealed in an exclusive interview with FIFA.
Aissa Mandi: It’s the greatest competition of all. It means representing your country on the global stage, so it’s something quite remarkable. I’ve been lucky enough to play in one World Cup, so a second will be amazing. It’s a dream I’ve had since childhood.
I remember it all! From start to finish – from qualifying back home in Algeria right through to our last game against Germany, when I think we gave a very good account of ourselves – we presented a positive image of the team and the country. After that, our homecoming was extraordinary.
We went through a lot of tough times with the national team after that World Cup. We found it quite hard to get back on our feet, but through hard work and perseverance, we did what we needed to do to finally qualify for the World Cup again after two failed attempts. We never gave up – that’s what defines us, both as a nation and as a team.
I can still remember it as if it were yesterday – the first time I stepped onto the pitch as a member of the national team. Hearing our national anthem at the stadium was an indescribable experience. It was simply magical. Just once is incredible, so to do it more than a hundred times is something I never could have imagined.
I’ve obviously got more experience now. I’m older, of course, and I know just how much of a privilege it is to wear this shirt. It’s always something special, whether it’s your first cap or your last. It’s something magical, something to be cherished, and you still get a thrill when you step out onto the pitch to represent Algeria.
It’s all about communication. I’ve had my fair share of experiences, just like everyone else. We should instill in them what it means to carry the hopes of our nation, and the responsibility that brings with it. They need to play by the rules and maintain the highest standards when representing Algeria. As soon as you walk out onto the pitch, it must be a real source of pride. We’re fully committed to our people and our country. As the older heads of the group, it’s our duty and our responsibility [to make them understand that].
It all came down to the final minute [of the qualifiers] for the 2022 World Cup. We were within touching distance, it was such a close call [Cameroon knocked them out of the African play-offs on away goals in the depths of extra time], but that’s football for you. It was tough to take, but it was a learning experience. You have to recognize which mistakes you can’t afford to repeat so that you can grow stronger as a person. Above all, what makes the difference is being stronger as a team.
I don’t wish to respond from an individual perspective. This isn’t about any one player, but more about the collective. I think we need to be well prepared as a team to tackle this kind of competition – technically and tactically ready, and working closely with the coaching staff and as a unit. Football will always be a team sport. It’s only by working together that we’ll be able to answer these kinds of questions.
Passion. That’s what it’s all about. Players who give their all to make their country proud. Of course, not everything will be perfect – just like with any team. But what I want to see is a team that never gives up – a strong, united group moving forward.
Sources: FIFA Official
