For Algeria’s national football team, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup just got a little smoother. Two key defenders—Mohamed Farsi and Jaouen Hadjam—have returned to competitive action after extended injury layoffs, providing a timely boost to coach Vladimir Petković’s squad as the Fennecs prepare for their next round of qualifiers.

Their comebacks couldn’t have approach at a better time. Algeria, currently second in Group E of the African qualifiers, face a tight race to secure one of the continent’s nine direct berths to the expanded 48-team tournament. With only four matches remaining in the second round, every point—and every player—matters.

Farsi’s Long-Awaited Return

Mohamed Farsi, the 26-year-old right-back from Columbus Crew, made his first competitive appearance in nearly 10 months this past Sunday, coming off the bench in the 85th minute of his club’s 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union. It was a small but significant step in his recovery from abdominal surgery last September, which sidelined him for the latter half of the 2025 MLS season and the early months of 2026.

Farsi’s absence had left a noticeable gap in both club and country. A dynamic, attack-minded fullback, he had develop into a regular for Algeria under Petković, offering width and defensive solidity on the right flank. His injury forced the coach to shuffle his defensive lineup, often deploying central defender Aïssa Mandi out of position or relying on the less-experienced Jaouen Hadjam to fill the void.

“This was a crucial first step,” said Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy after the match. “Mohamed has worked incredibly hard to get back, and we’re taking it one game at a time. His presence gives us more depth and flexibility.”

For Farsi, the road back has been gradual. After surgery, he spent months in rehab before rejoining full training in March. His late substitute appearance against Philadelphia was his first taste of competitive football since July 2025, and while he played only a few minutes, it marked the end of a frustrating period of inactivity.

Hadjam’s Resurgence on the Right

While Farsi’s return has been leisurely and methodical, Jaouen Hadjam’s comeback has been swifter. The 22-year-old left-back, who plays his club football for Swiss side BSC Young Boys, made his first competitive appearance of 2026 on Saturday, entering as a substitute in his team’s 3-1 win over FC St. Gallen.

Hadjam’s absence stemmed from a knock sustained during Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign in December 2025. He was forced to miss the latter stages of the tournament, including the Fennecs’ quarterfinal exit, and spent the next four months recovering. His return to the pitch comes as a relief for Petković, who had previously experimented with Hadjam on the right side of defense—a role the youngster had filled with surprising effectiveness during Algeria’s 5-1 thrashing of Mozambique in March 2025.

In that match, Hadjam was a revelation. Playing out of position on the right, he combined defensive tenacity with attacking intent, scoring his first international goal and providing an assist for striker Mohamed Amoura. His performance earned praise from Petković, who called it “a masterclass in adaptability.”

“Jaouen is a special talent,” said Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky. “He’s young, but he reads the game like a veteran. His ability to play on either flank makes him invaluable, and I have no doubt he’ll be an significant player for Algeria in the coming months.”

What This Means for Algeria’s World Cup Hopes

Algeria’s defensive setup has been a point of concern in recent qualifiers. While the team boasts a solid central pairing in Aïssa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaïni, the fullback positions have been inconsistent. Youcef Atal, the first-choice right-back, has struggled with injuries, while Rayan Aït-Nouri, the left-back, has been in and out of the lineup due to fitness issues.

Farsi and Hadjam’s returns offer Petković more options—and more stability. Here’s how their availability could shape the team’s approach:

• Right-Back Competition: Farsi’s return means Algeria now have three viable options at right-back: Atal, Farsi, and Hadjam. Atal remains the first choice when fit, but his injury history makes depth essential. Farsi’s experience and attacking output could observe him start if Atal is unavailable, while Hadjam provides a younger, more versatile alternative.
• Tactical Flexibility: Hadjam’s ability to play on either flank allows Petković to adjust his formation based on the opposition. Against weaker teams, he could deploy Hadjam on the right and Aït-Nouri on the left, creating a more balanced and attacking fullback pairing. Against stronger sides, he might opt for a more conservative setup, with Hadjam tucking in to support the center-backs.
• Set-Piece Threat: Both Farsi and Hadjam are strong in the air, which could prove crucial in tight qualifying matches. Hadjam’s goal against Mozambique came from a set piece, and Farsi has a history of delivering dangerous crosses from wide areas. Their presence adds another dimension to Algeria’s attacking play.

The timing of their returns is particularly fortuitous. Algeria’s next qualifier is a home match against Zambia on June 5, followed by a trip to Botswana four days later. Both games are must-win encounters if the Fennecs are to maintain their push for automatic qualification. With Farsi and Hadjam now back in the fold, Petković has more tools at his disposal to navigate these challenges.

The Road Ahead

While Farsi and Hadjam have taken important steps in their recoveries, neither is yet at full match fitness. For Farsi, the next few weeks will be about building minutes and rhythm. Columbus Crew have a busy schedule in May, with six MLS matches and two U.S. Open Cup games, providing ample opportunity for him to regain his sharpness.

Hadjam, meanwhile, has the advantage of playing in Switzerland’s Super League, which runs until late May. With Young Boys still in contention for the title, he’ll have regular playing time to fine-tune his form ahead of the international break.

For Algeria, the focus now shifts to the June qualifiers. The team will convene for a training camp in Algiers in late May, where Petković will have his first chance to assess Farsi and Hadjam in person since their injuries. The coach has previously emphasized the importance of squad depth, and the duo’s returns deliver him the luxury of making tactical adjustments without sacrificing quality.

Key Takeaways

• Mohamed Farsi made his first competitive appearance in 10 months on April 26, coming off the bench for Columbus Crew in a 2-0 win over Philadelphia Union.
• Jaouen Hadjam returned to action on April 25, playing for BSC Young Boys in their 3-1 victory over FC St. Gallen.
• Both players’ recoveries come at a critical time for Algeria, who are second in their World Cup qualifying group with four matches remaining.
• Farsi’s return strengthens the right-back position, where Algeria have lacked consistency due to Youcef Atal’s injury history.
• Hadjam’s versatility allows him to play on either flank, providing Petković with tactical flexibility ahead of key qualifiers.
• Algeria’s next qualifiers are at home against Zambia on June 5 and away to Botswana on June 9.

What’s Next?

Algeria’s national team will reconvene for a pre-qualifier training camp in late May, with the first match of the June window taking place on June 5 against Zambia. For Farsi and Hadjam, the focus will be on building match fitness and proving their readiness to contribute to the Fennecs’ World Cup push.

With the stakes higher than ever, their returns couldn’t have come at a better time. As Petković set it after Algeria’s last qualifier: “We need every player at their best. Depth is what wins tournaments.”

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