Algerian Ligue 1 kick-off marred by postponements

The 2025/26 Ligue 1 Mobilis season will begin with disruption after the Professional Football League (LFP) confirmed that two of the opening weekend’s headline fixtures have been postponed.

The highly anticipated Algiers derby between reigning champions MC Alger and CR Belouizdad, along with the classic clash between USM Alger and JS Kabylie, will not take place as planned on Thursday, 21 August.

Both matches have been delayed due to the absence of several key players who are currently on international duty with Algeria’s A’ team at the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

While those encounters will have to wait, the new campaign is still set to get underway with two evening fixtures.

At 18:00 local time, MC Oran will host ES Ben Aknoun, who return to the top flight this season.

Oran will, however, be forced to play behind closed doors.

Later that night, at 20:00, JS Saoura take on MB Rouissat in an all-Southern affair, with the latter making their debut in the elite division.

The action continues on Friday, 22 August, with three matches scheduled simultaneously at 17:00.

Olympique Akbou welcome ES Mostaganem, Paradou AC meet ASO Chlef, and MC El-Bayadh face CS Constantine.

The decision to stage these games in the late afternoon has already drawn criticism, with concerns raised over the intense summer heat and the lack of adequate lighting in several stadiums across the country.

Saturday, 23 August, rounds off the opening week with what is expected to be a fiercely contested tie between USM Khenchela and ES Sétif, also kicking off at 17:00.

Both sides have signalled their ambition for the season and will be eager to make a strong impression from the outset.

Beyond scheduling, the LFP has yet to announce the full list of stadiums designated to host fixtures this season.

Questions also remain over the introduction of VAR technology across the competition, with confirmation still pending despite previous assurances that it would be rolled out more extensively.

The postponement of the league’s two showpiece fixtures has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory opening week for Algerian football.

Supporters will now have to wait longer to witness some of the season’s biggest encounters, while clubs affected by the scheduling will need to adapt quickly to a demanding calendar.

As the first whistle of the new season approaches, the spotlight falls not only on the players but also on the league organisers, whose decisions in the coming weeks could shape the rhythm and credibility of the campaign ahead.