2026 Algerian Cup final

USM Alger secured qualification for the Round of 32 of the Algerian Cup with difficulty after defeating NC Magra on penalties (0–0, 5–4). Following a dull and low-tempo match, neither side managed to score in regular or extra time. The penalty shootout ultimately favored the Usmistes despite an underwhelming performance. The main objective was achieved, as USMA continued the defense of its title.^[3]

USMA then advanced comfortably to the Round of 16 with a 3–0 win over MO Constantine. The match was marked by the early sending-off of Boumeziane within the first 15 minutes. Playing with a numerical advantage for over 75 minutes, the Red and Black quickly took control, opening the scoring through Houssam Ghacha in the 19th minute. After a solid first half, Ghacha shone again in the second half, adding two more goals (59’, 79’) to complete a hat-trick.^[4]

In the Round of 16, USMA qualified for the quarter-finals after beating USM El Harrach (3–2) after extra time in a heated Algiers derby. The match was highly competitive, especially in midfield. USMA opened the scoring through Loucif following a move initiated by Ghacha. The latter was also involved in the second goal, scored by Likonza. In extra time, Ghacha sealed the victory with a decisive third goal, sending USMA through.^[5]

USMA reached the semi-finals after a 1–0 win against JS Saoura. The only goal came in the 35th minute, scored by Radouani from a corner taken by Ghacha and flicked on by Dehiri. After a balanced first half, USMA gradually took control of the match, creating several chances in the second half through Dehiri and Benayad. However, goalkeeper Salhi prevented a second goal, while JS Saoura struggled to create real danger.^[6]

On April 24, 2026, USMA booked their place in the final after defeating CA Batna (3–1 after extra time). The Usmistes made a strong start, opening the scoring through Tendeng in the 12th minute, before CA Batna equalized just before halftime via Guettout. The second half remained intense and physical, with no winner emerging. In extra time, Bouderbala turned the game around with a decisive brace, securing a deserved victory and sending USMA into the final with the ambition of winning their 10th Algerian Cup title.^[7]

On December 3, 2025, CR Belouizdad secured a hard-fought qualification for the Algerian Cup round of 32, defeating Oued Fodda 2–1 after extra time. After conceding early, they equalized through Bekkour and dominated the game but lacked efficiency in front of goal. Meziane eventually scored the winner in extra time, capping off a difficult match and an overall unconvincing performance.^[8] On 15 December 2025, CR Belouizdad cruised into the Algerian Cup round of 16 with a dominant 5–1 win over WB Aïn Benian. After controlling the first half, Benguit opened the scoring before Keddad doubled the lead just before the break. WB Aïn Benian pulled one back in the second half, but Boussouar came off the bench and stole the show with a hat-trick, sealing an emphatic victory.^[9]

On 3 March 2026, in the quarter-finals, CR Belouizdad defeated MC Alger 3–2 after extra time to qualify for the semi-finals in a highly tense and closely contested match. The scoring was opened by Mohamed Ali Ben Hammouda in the 17th minute, before Ayoub Ghezala equalised for MC Alger in the 29th minute from the penalty spot. CR Belouizdad regained the lead shortly after half-time through Naoufel Khacef (46’), but Bangoura levelled the match again in the 90th minute, sending the game into extra time. In the extra period, Laouafi scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute, securing qualification for CR Belouizdad.^[10]

In the semi-final, CR Belouizdad delivered a commanding performance to defeat CS Constantine 3–2 away in Constantine and secure qualification for the final. CRB opened the scoring through Abdennour Belhocini in the 18th minute, but CSC equalised via Brahim Dib shortly after the break (55’). Ben Hammouda then restored the advantage for CR Belouizdad with two decisive goals (59’ and 70’), putting his side in control of the encounter. CS Constantine reduced the gap deep into stoppage time through Omoyele (90’+4), but it came too late to change the outcome, as CR Belouizdad held on to secure qualification for the final. The result allowed CR Belouizdad to reach the final of the competition, marking their 15th appearance in the Algerian Cup final. It also extended their remarkable consistency in the tournament, as they qualified for a fifth consecutive final (2019, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026), equalling a long-standing record previously held by USM Alger.^[11]

The 2025–26 Algerian Cup final will be the seventh and second consecutive final that feature USM Alger and CR Belouizdad. Each team won three titles, with USM Alger winning the last final. USM Alger want to confirm last year's victory while CR Belouizdad want to take their revenge.

Algerian Television holds the broadcasting rights for the final match on its channels, TV1 (Arabic), TV2 (French), TV4 (Tamazight), and TV6. As for radio, the match will be broadcast on Radio 1, Radio 2, and Radio 3.

On 29 April 2026, The Federal Arbitration Commission of the (FAF) named Akram Mechairia as the referee for the final, including assistant referees Mokrane Gourari and Mohamed Ghozlane. Alaa Bouab served as the fourth official, Lamine Chellali will serve as the reserve assistant referee. while Youcef Taieb-Bouderbal acted as the Video assistant referee. Mohamed Rezga were appointed as assistant VAR officials.^[1][12]