Algeria boosted their confidence ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in a warm up international friendly at De Kuip on Wednesday night.
The Fennecs delivered a disciplined and determined performance on Dutch soil, with winger Anis Hadj Moussa scoring the decisive goal late in the game to hand Algeria a memorable victory just one week before the start of the World Cup.
The result spoiled the Netherlands’ farewell match before their departure to the United States and provided Algeria with a significant morale boost ahead of a difficult Group J opener against defending champions Argentina in Kansas City.
The hosts started brightly and nearly took the lead inside eight minutes. Donyell Malen showed great skill to create space before striking the post after turning away from Aissa Mandi. Shortly afterwards, Crysencio Summerville and Tijjani Reijnders combined well to find the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The Netherlands continued to dominate possession and looked dangerous through the pace of Summerville and Malen. Just before the 20 minute mark, Summerville delivered a dangerous pass across goal, but Malen failed to convert the opportunity.
Ronald Koeman handed a debut to West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, while Mats Wieffer started in place of suspended defender Denzel Dumfries. Summerville’s appearance marked his first senior international outing for Oranje and his inclusion in the World Cup squad.
Despite Dutch pressure, Algeria gradually grew into the contest. Backed by thousands of passionate travelling supporters, the North Africans began to threaten the home side. Bart Verbruggen was called into action when he tipped one effort over the bar before producing another save to deny Nabil Bentaleb.
Heavy rain then swept across Rotterdam, but the Netherlands remained on the front foot. Malen continued to be heavily involved, although Algeria’s defence held firm. Luca Zidane, who started in goal for the visitors, produced a series of confident interventions to frustrate the Dutch attack.
After halftime, Koeman introduced several changes, including goalkeeper Robin Roefs, who made his senior debut for the Netherlands. However, Algeria continued to defend resolutely and looked increasingly dangerous on the counterattack.
Reijnders and Malen both came close after the break, while the Roma striker squandered another one on one opportunity against the inspired Zidane. Justin Kluivert also tested the goalkeeper from distance, but the Granada shot stopper remained equal to the challenge.
Memphis Depay, the Netherlands’ all time leading scorer, was also denied as Zidane capped a superb individual display with another important save.
With the match heading towards a draw, Algeria struck decisively in the 82nd minute. Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa produced the defining moment of the contest, firing a powerful effort into the top corner beyond Roefs to score his first international goal.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the travelling Algerian supporters and stunned the home crowd inside De Kuip. It also proved enough to secure a famous victory for the visitors.
The Netherlands pushed forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but Algeria defended brilliantly and refused to surrender their advantage. As a result, the Fennecs held on for an impressive 1-0 win.
For Algeria, the victory provided the perfect preparation ahead of their World Cup campaign. Luca Zidane’s outstanding display between the posts and Hadj Moussa’s match winning strike highlighted a performance full of belief and resilience.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands were left to reflect on missed chances as they suffered a disappointing defeat before heading to North America. Oranje will have one final opportunity to fine tune their preparations when they face Uzbekistan in a closed door friendly in New York on June 8.
The Dutch will begin their Group F campaign against Japan, while Algeria will face reigning world champions Argentina in what promises to be a huge opening test for the North Africans.
