Four Algerian judoka have learned their initial opponents for the 2026 World Individual Judo Championships following the official tournament draw held on Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan, according to reports by the Algerian Press Service. The global competition runs from October 4 through October 10 at the Baku National Gymnastics Hall, featuring 626 athletes across 93 countries.
Baku Draw Places Moudetere Against Serikbayev in Opener
Kaïs Moudetere carries the distinction of being the first Algerian athlete to step onto the mat in Azerbaijan, with his competition scheduled for October 5. Assigned to Pool A in the under-66 kilogram category, Moudetere opens his tournament against Nurkanat Serikbayev of Kazakhstan. A victory in that opening bout would advance him to the second round, where a match against Japanese competitor Takeshi Takeoka awaits.
Messaoud Redouane Faces Szabo in Under-73 Kilogram Bracket
Dris Messaoud Redouane enters the under-73 kilogram division in Pool C, with his matches slated for October 6. The 2026 Taranto Mediterranean Games gold medalist begins his campaign against Hungary’s Aron Szabo. If Messaoud Redouane secures a win in the opening round, he will face Italy’s Giovanni Esposito next.
Djellab and Lili Complete the Algerian Roster
Yassamine Djellab represents the Algerian women’s team in the under-63 kilogram category, entering competition in Pool C on October 7. Her tournament debut pits her against Spain’s Ariela Sanchez Benitez. Advancing past the first round would set up a meeting with Enkhriilen Lkhagvatogoo of Mongolia.
In the heavier divisions, Mohamed El Hehdi Lili competes in the over-100 kilogram class in Pool D, with his bouts scheduled for the final day of the championships on October 10. Lili opens against Jakub Sordyl of Poland, and a successful result would lead to a matchup against Turkey’s Munir Ertug.
Tashkent Training Camp Prepares Delegation for Global Competition
The Algerian national delegation arrived in Azerbaijan on Friday to complete final preparations at the Baku venue. Prior to traveling to Baku, the athletes underwent a closed training camp in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, running from September 22 through October 2 under the guidance of national coach Ihcène Abdessamed Mazari.
Tournament registration figures show a broad international presence at the 2026 championships. South Korea, Russia, Mongolia, and Japan lead the tournament in roster size with 18 athletes each, closely followed by France, the United States, and Uzbekistan with 17 competitors apiece. Alongside Algeria, several other African nations are represented in Baku, including Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Mauritius, and Madagascar.
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