The Algeria Football Federation has turned to Karim Belhocine in its search for a new national team coach after Nigeria boss Eric Chelle emerged as an increasingly unlikely option to replace Vladimir Petkovic.
The shift comes days after Chelle was strongly linked with the Algeria job following the Desert Foxes’ exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with reports claiming officials of the Algerian Football Federation had contacted the Super Eagles coach.
However, Belhocine has now emerged as the federation’s preferred candidate as uncertainty continues over Petkovic’s future.
Petkovic remains Algeria’s head coach, but his position is under increasing scrutiny after the Desert Foxes were eliminated by Switzerland in the World Cup.
According to reports, the Algerian Football Federation is expected to discuss Petkovic’s future at an upcoming federal bureau meeting, while preparations for a possible coaching change have already begun.
Belhocine has reportedly impressed federation officials with his coaching experience in Belgium and his knowledge of Algerian football.
The 48-year-old French-Algerian recently took charge of Algerian Ligue 1 side JS Kabylie after officially assuming the role on July 4.
He previously served as assistant coach and caretaker manager at Anderlecht, managed Charleroi and KV Kortrijk in the Belgian Pro League, and later worked as an assistant coach at Watford.
Reports in Algeria indicate the federation values Belhocine’s UEFA Pro Licence, tactical credentials and understanding of both European and Algerian football.
Chelle had emerged as an attractive option following his work with Mali at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, his third-place finish with Nigeria at the 2025 AFCON and his previous coaching spell with Algerian club MC Oran.
However, the Franco-Malian remains under contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, which is reportedly finalising a long-term extension that would keep him in charge of the Super Eagles until 2030.
The proposed agreement is expected to increase his monthly salary from $50,000 to $100,000 and expand his responsibilities to include oversight of Nigeria’s Under-23 national team.
