Aït Nouri Lifts Algerie Bolivie Start Ahead of 2026
Rayan Aït Nouri said algerie bolivie are “very excited” to start the 2026 World Cup after Algeria arrived in Kansas City the evening before publication to continue preparations. The 25-year-old left back said the squad feels ready for its return to the tournament after 12 years away.
Aït Nouri in Kansas City
Aït Nouri spoke to beIN Sports on arrival and framed the mood plainly: “Nous sommes très excités à l’idée de commencer cette compétition. Nous nous sommes très bien préparés et nous avons beaucoup travaillé durant les dernières semaines. Nous sommes prêts à débuter ce tournoi.” He added, “Ce sera un beau tournoi. Nous savons que c'est une grande compétition et nous allons essayer de donner le meilleur de nous-mêmes. Nous verrons ensuite ce qui se passera.”
That message came from a player wearing number 21 for Manchester City and arriving with Algeria still in preparation mode. Kansas City is the team’s base before the start of the competition, and Vladimir Petkovic has taken the squad into the final stretch before its opening matches.
Algeria’s 12-year return
The timing gives the statement extra weight. Algeria last appeared at the World Cup in 2014 in Brazil, so this campaign marks a return after a 12-year absence. Riyad Mahrez is among the players heading back with him, giving the squad a familiar core as it resets on the sport’s biggest stage.
For Algeria, the immediate task is simple: carry the preparation in Kansas City into the tournament itself. Aït Nouri did not dress up the next step; he said the team has worked hard over the last few weeks and is ready to begin. The first public sign of that intent came the moment he stepped off in Kansas City and spoke with the tournament in front of him.
