The Algeria-Egypt football rivalry stands out as a significant and passionate contest between the national football teams of Algeria and Egypt. Together, they have achieved nine Africa Cup of Nations titles and two Arab Cups, underscoring the intensity and importance of this North African derby. This article delves into the history of this rivalry, significant matches, and team dynamics.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
The rivalry between the two countries could take root in the tour of the Algerian FLN football team in the Middle East in 1958. In solidarity with the Algerian cause, the countries of the Eastern bloc and the Arab countries defied the FIFA ban on playing with this clandestine team. However, the Egyptian authorities, anxious not to offend FIFA in a delicate context with the creation in 1957 of the Confederation of African Football in Cairo, refused to play exhibition matches. The generation of the FLN team remains marked by this episode.
The first official match after Algeria's independence took place on 5 July 1963, a friendly match at the 20 August 1955 Stadium in Algiers.
Key Moments in World Cup Qualifications
The two teams' matches in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification remain a turning point in the history of the rivalry between the two countries. After the independence of Algeria, the two countries never met in the World Cup.
Algeria participated in the 1982, 1986, 2010 and 2014 editions and Egypt in the 1934, 1990 and 2018 editions.
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For the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification, Algeria finished first in Group A undefeated and Egypt finished first in Group B. A final round was organized between the four group winners to determine the two nations participating in the World Cup. On 8 October 1989, the Egyptian team drew 0-0 in Algeria in the first leg and then won 1-0 in Cairo on 17 November 1989. The nation therefore qualified for the competition along with Cameroon, the winner against Tunisia.
Egypt's qualification was marred by clashes that began with a hostile reception upon the arrival of the Algerian delegation in Cairo and continued throughout its stay until its departure. The Algerian authorities then accused Egypt of having set up the Algerian team and its star Belloumi, who was used as a scapegoat to distract from the hostile events that the Algerian team suffered during its stay in Egypt.
In 2001, Algeria, eliminated from the race for the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification, played the last match of the qualifiers against Egypt in Annaba. In the first leg, the Egyptians crushed the Algerians 5-2 in Cairo. This historic victory put Egypt on the right track. It was celebrated by the Egyptians as the greatest success against the Maghreb rivals who at that time lost all chance of qualifying. The return match therefore promised to be decisive for the Pharaohs, in competition with Senegal.
The Algerians, team and supporters, showed fierce determination to prevent the Pharaohs from qualifying. The score of 1-1 was celebrated in general jubilation. Incidents during the match and after were reported. Images of the bus being stoned were also shown on Egyptian television. In the other match played simultaneously in Windhoek, Senegal blew Namibia away 5-0.
Most Iconic World Cup Moments in HISTORY
During the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification, the Algerian team bus was stoned by Egyptian supporters. The situation was tense because it was the last match of the qualifiers and each of the two teams had the possibility of qualifying. After Egypt's victory by 2-0, the two teams had to play a play-off match in Sudan, because they were perfectly equal (points, goal difference, goals for and goals against). Algeria won 1-0 and qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
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Recent Match: Egypt vs. Algeria (October 16, 2023)
Egypt faced Algeria on 16 Oct 2023 at 16:00 UTC in an International Friendly Game. On Sofascore, you can find previous Egypt vs Algeria results sorted by their H2H matches. Sofascore provides live scores, attack momentum tracking, detailed statistics (ball possession, shots, corner kicks, etc.), and community votes on the likely winner.
Sofascore is available as an app for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Windows Phone.
Head-to-Head Record and Team Form
Let's consider a hypothetical match between Algeria and Zimbabwe on Thu, Nov 13, 2025, as an example of how head-to-head records and team form are analyzed. This match is part of the Friendlies. You can check the recent head-to-head encounters, as well as full H2H record on this page to see how Algeria and Zimbabwe have fared against each other in the past. The current head to head record for the teams are Algeria 1 win(s), Zimbabwe 0 win(s), and 2 draw(s).
Unavailable players for Algeria: Amine Gouiri (injury), Fares Chaibi (injury). Zimbabwe does not have any unavailable players.
Predicted lineups and formations are available for the match a few days in advance while the actual lineup will be as soon as it is announced, usually an hour ahead of the match.
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Key match features include:
- Live updates: Every goal, card, substitution and key moment instantly delivered.
- Real-time extensive stats powered by Opta: Possession, shots, corners, big chances created, xG, momentum, and shot maps.
- Team form & Head-to-head history: Compare recent results and see how Algeria and Zimbabwe have performed against each other.
- Live standings: Follow league tables and tournament info in real time.
- Live odds & insights: Track match favorites before, during and post match.
- Commentary & ticker: Rich text commentary for major matches to follow the action even if you can't watch.
Match Results
Egypt won two times in their past 6 meetings with Algeria.
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| July 5, 1963 | Friendly Match | [Result] |
| March 19, 1980 | Africa Cup of Nations | [Result] |
| October 16, 2023 | Friendly Match | [Result] |
| November 13, 2025 | Friendly Match | Algeria vs. Zimbabwe |
