Former Algeria coach Vladimir Petković has mutually terminated his contract, and speculation is already mounting about him taking over the Saudi Arabia national team, which could dash Zlatko Dalić's hopes for the same position.
Vladimir Petković (62) is no longer the head coach of the Algerian national football team. The Algerian Football Federation announced on August 3, 2026, that a mutual termination of the contract had been reached, two years before its expiration. This move has paved the way for speculation about his next role, with the Saudi Arabia national team emerging as the frontrunner-the very team that was recently linked to former Croatian coach Zlatko Dalić.
The federation confirmed the termination "with immediate effect" in a statement, expressing "sincere gratitude for the professionalism, commitment, and dedication shown during 29 months at the helm of the national team." Petković led the "Desert Foxes" in 33 matches, securing 23 wins, five draws, and five losses. While the overall record was solid, results in major tournaments proved decisive. Algeria was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations by Nigeria, and their World Cup campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a 2-0 loss to Switzerland.
The path to the Round of 16 was rocky. Algeria opened the tournament with a 3-0 defeat to Argentina, then beat Jordan 2-1, and played out a 3-3 draw with Austria in the final group game. That draw sparked controversy as it sent both teams through to the knockout stage, but the elimination at the hands of Switzerland marked the end of the road and, as reported by Sportske novosti, accelerated the decision to part ways. Petković and his technical staff will receive three months' salary as severance, and the Algerians plan to appoint a new coach within two weeks.
While Algeria turns to the search for a successor, Petković's future could lie in the Middle East. According to information from Sportske novosti, he is reportedly already in talks to take over the Saudi Arabia national team. Goal.com, however, offers a more cautious picture: the Saudi federation is close to a deal, but there is no official confirmation yet. Algerian commentator Hafid Derradji posted on Facebook that the Saudis are closely monitoring the situation and waiting for early contacts to turn into formal negotiations.
Adding to the uncertainty is the fact that Saudi Arabia currently has a coach, Greek Georgios Donis. Goal.com reports that the Saudis do not want to dismiss him but rather plan to give him a full opportunity in the upcoming Gulf Cup and Asian Cup. This raises questions about how realistic it is for Petković to take the bench immediately.
The whole story also has a strong Croatian angle. Namely, Sportske novosti revealed a few days ago that the same position was reportedly offered to Zlatko Dalić, the former coach of the Vatreni. Dalić, who has confirmed he will continue his career in Asia, also has offers from the United Arab Emirates and South Korea. If Petković indeed takes over Saudi Arabia, it would close the door on one of the most lucrative jobs in international football for Dalić.
