Algeria plays behind closed doors and without TV against Bolivia, but a U.S. channel filmed its last practice

Algeria is finalizing its preparations for the World Cup with a closed-door match against Bolivia, which will not be televised. Head coach Vladimir Petkovic, who previously coached Switzerland and managed Lionel Scaloni at Lazio, wants to prevent Argentina, Algeria's first opponent in Group J, from gaining any insights into his team's strategies or potential starting lineup.

However, this strict secrecy was compromised when KMBC 9, a local ABC affiliate from Kansas City, sent a team to Lawrence, where the Algerian team is based. The station used drones to film part of Petkovic's training session. This action has drawn criticism on social media, and the TV channel could face a reprimand from FIFA if the matter is pursued.

Earlier in the week, reports indicated that the match against Bolivia would be closed to the public and cameras, a decision attributed to Petkovic to prevent his Argentine counterpart, Lionel Scaloni, from gleaning information. The absence of spectators is also due to security concerns, as the venue is not equipped for an audience. Conflicting reports emerged regarding television coverage, with some suggesting an agreement for ENTV to broadcast the match online, while an ENTV source denied this, stating the game would not be shown on any of their platforms. Petkovic's contract has been extended until 2028 following Algeria's qualification for the 2026 World Cup, with the federation citing his "extraordinary results."