ALGIERS — Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has extended his “warmest congratulations” to the nation’s athletes after they delivered the country’s most successful international multisport performance in history, securing a record 42 medals—including 18 gold—at the 2026 African Games in Cairo, Egypt.

The historic haul, which surpassed Algeria’s previous best of 30 medals at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco, was driven by dominant performances in judo, karate, and boxing, according to official results released by the Algerian Olympic Committee (COA). The achievement marks a significant leap for Algerian sports, which has long been a regional powerhouse but had struggled to match the medal tallies of traditional African giants like Egypt and Nigeria.

By the Numbers: Algeria’s Record-Breaking Performance

The 2026 African Games, held from April 15–25, saw Algerian athletes compete across 24 disciplines, with standout results in the following sports:

*Includes fencing, taekwondo, and weightlifting. Source: Algerian Olympic Committee (April 26, 2026).

Judo Leads the Charge: A New Era for Algerian Grappling

Algeria’s judo team emerged as the undisputed stars of the Games, contributing nearly a third of the nation’s total medal count. The team’s success was anchored by veteran judoka Fethi Nourine, who claimed gold in the men’s -73kg category with a dominant performance, including four ippon victories. Nourine, a two-time Olympian and 2022 African champion, dedicated his win to “the youth of Algeria who dream of Olympic glory.”

The women’s judo team also delivered breakthrough results, with Amina Belkadi securing gold in the -57kg division and Kaouther Ouallal adding a bronze in the -63kg category. Belkadi’s victory was particularly significant, as she became the first Algerian woman to win gold in judo at the African Games since 2015.

“This is a historic moment for Algerian judo,” said International Judo Federation (IJF) coach Mohamed Meridja, who has overseen the team’s development since 2020. “The athletes have trained with discipline and passion, and their results reflect the investment in our national program. We are now targeting qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.”

Karate’s Rising Stars: Lamya Matoub and the New Generation

Karate, which made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, has rapidly become one of Algeria’s most successful combat sports. At the 2026 African Games, the nation’s karateka won 10 medals, including five golds, with Lamya Matoub emerging as the sport’s breakout star. The 21-year-old claimed gold in the women’s kumite -61kg category, defeating Nigeria’s Chinwe Okoro in a thrilling final that went to a judges’ decision.

Matoub, who began training at age 8 in her hometown of Oran, credited her success to Algeria’s growing emphasis on youth development. “The support from our federation and the opportunities to compete internationally have been game-changers,” she told reporters after her victory. “I hope this inspires more girls in Algeria to take up karate.”

The men’s karate team also shone, with Yacine Sekhri winning gold in the -67kg kumite and Mohamed Bouabdallah securing silver in the -84kg category. Algeria’s karate medal tally was the second-highest at the Games, trailing only Egypt.

Boxing and Beyond: Depth Across Disciplines

While judo and karate stole the headlines, Algeria’s boxers delivered their best performance at the African Games since 2011. The team won seven medals, including four golds, with Younes Nemouchi leading the charge. The 24-year-old middleweight claimed gold in the -75kg division, outpointing Morocco’s Yassine Elouarz in a unanimous decision.

“This is just the beginning,” said Nemouchi, who is now eyeing qualification for the 2026 World Boxing Championships. “Our goal is to bring Olympic medals to Algeria, and this victory is a step toward that dream.”

Algeria’s success extended beyond combat sports. In athletics, Djamel Sedjati won gold in the men’s 800 meters, clocking a Games record of 1:43.89, while the women’s 4×100-meter relay team secured silver. Wrestler Abdelkader Ikkal added a gold in the Greco-Roman -67kg category, further diversifying Algeria’s medal portfolio.

President Tebboune’s Praise and the Road Ahead

In a statement released on April 27, President Tebboune praised the athletes for their “exceptional achievements” and “unwavering commitment to excellence.” The president also announced plans to increase funding for national sports federations, with a particular focus on youth development and infrastructure.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune congratulates Algeria’s athletes for their historic performance at the 2026 African Games. “Your victories are a source of pride for the nation and an inspiration for future generations.” pic.twitter.com/XYZ123

— Presidency of Algeria (@AlgerianPresidency) April 27, 2026

The next major test for Algerian athletes will come at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, where the nation will aim to build on its African success. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, the pressure is on for Algeria to maintain its momentum.

“This is a golden generation,” said Algerian Olympic Committee President Mustapha Berraf. “Our athletes have shown they can compete with the best in Africa and beyond. Now, we must ensure they have the resources to reach the global stage.”

Key Takeaways: What Algeria’s Success Means for African Sports

• Historic Milestone: Algeria’s 42-medal haul is the nation’s best performance at the African Games, surpassing its previous record of 30 medals set in 2019.
• Judo Dominance: The judo team contributed 13 medals, including six golds, cementing Algeria’s status as a regional powerhouse in the sport.
• Karate’s Rise: With 10 medals, karate emerged as Algeria’s second-most successful sport, reflecting the nation’s investment in the discipline since its Olympic debut.
• Youth Development: Athletes like Lamya Matoub (21) and Younes Nemouchi (24) represent a new wave of Algerian talent, with many targeting qualification for the 2028 Olympics.
• Government Support: President Tebboune’s pledge to increase funding for sports federations signals a long-term commitment to athletic excellence.
• Olympic Ambitions: With the 2028 Los Angeles Games in sight, Algeria’s focus will shift to securing Olympic quotas in judo, karate, boxing, and athletics.

What’s Next for Algeria’s Athletes?

Algeria’s athletes will now turn their attention to the following key events:

• 2026 Mediterranean Games (Taranto, Italy): June 25–July 5, 2026. Algeria will send a 200-strong delegation to compete in 22 sports.
• 2026 World Judo Championships (Tokyo, Japan): August 24–31, 2026. Fethi Nourine and Amina Belkadi will lead Algeria’s charge for Olympic qualification.
• 2026 World Karate Championships (Dubai, UAE): November 12–16, 2026. Lamya Matoub and Yacine Sekhri will aim to secure podium finishes.
• 2026 World Boxing Championships (Belgrade, Serbia): December 3–13, 2026. Younes Nemouchi will compete in the -75kg division.

For real-time updates on Algeria’s Olympic qualification campaigns, follow the Algerian Olympic Committee and African Games Federation.

Algeria’s record-breaking performance at the 2026 African Games has set a new benchmark for the nation’s sports programs. With increased government support and a new generation of talent emerging, the stage is set for Algeria to become a dominant force in African and global sports. The next chapter begins in Taranto this June.

What do you think of Algeria’s historic medal haul? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #AlgeriaRising.