FIFA World Cup 2026: Algeria Sends Strong Warning to Argentina by Beating Netherlands
World Cup hopefuls Netherlands received a major wake-up call after losing 1-0 to Algeria in their final warm-up match. Hajj Moussa's late winner and Luca Zidane's superb goalkeeping performance raised questions ahead of the Dutch campaign.
June 04, 2026: German economist Yakim Clement's statistical forecasting model, which has accurately predicted the last three FIFA World Cup winners, has backed the Netherlands to lift the trophy in 2026. According to the model, the Dutch are projected to win their first-ever World Cup title by defeating their opponents in the final on July 19.
Whether that prediction has boosted confidence within the Dutch camp remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is that Ronald Koeman's side received a timely reality check just days before the start of the tournament.
The Netherlands suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat to Algeria in an international friendly at Rotterdam on Thursday night. The result serves as a warning not only for the Dutch but also for Algeria's upcoming World Cup opponents, including reigning champions Argentina.
The home side dominated possession and created the majority of the chances throughout the match. However, they failed to convert their opportunities into goals. Algeria, meanwhile, remained disciplined and took advantage of a late opening.
In the 86th minute, Hajj Moussa produced a moment of brilliance to secure victory for the visitors. The winger curled a superb left-footed effort into the net, leaving the Dutch goalkeeper with no chance and giving Algeria a memorable win.
Algeria πππππ the Netherlands in World Cup warm-up π±π©πΏ pic.twitter.com/mTv4SwQaRF
β 433 (@433) June 3, 2026
Luca Zidane Impresses Between the Posts
One of the standout performers of the evening was Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, the son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane. The 28-year-old delivered an outstanding display, making a series of crucial saves to frustrate the Dutch attack.
Currently playing for Spanish second-division club Granada CF, Luca further strengthened his case to be Algeria's first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup with a composed and confident performance.
Despite the disappointing result, the Netherlands will now shift their focus to the tournament itself. The squad is scheduled to travel to New York before beginning its World Cup campaign.
The Dutch will open their Group Stage journey against Japan on June 14. They will then face Sweden on June 20 before concluding their group fixtures against Tunisia on June 26.
Algeria, meanwhile, begin their campaign against world champions Argentina on June 17. Their second group match will be against Jordan on June 23, followed by a final Group Stage clash against Austria on June 28.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It will be the first World Cup in history to feature 48 teams competing for football's biggest prize.