Washington Spirit midfielder Mélissa Bethi has been called up to the Algeria Women’s National Team for two 2028 Olympic qualifying matches against Central African Republic. Algeria will host and visit Central African Republic in qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games on Friday, October 9, and Tuesday, October 13.
Mélissa Bethi continues Algeria international career
Bethi is a native of Firminy in France’s Loire department and is of Algerian descent. She has competed for Algeria at the senior international level since 2023, made her debut in 2024 at age 19 and has since become a regular starter.
Bethi helped Algeria finish on the podium at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria also qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The first Olympic qualifier is scheduled for 1 p.m. EDT Friday, October 9. The second match is scheduled for 1 p.m. EDT Tuesday, October 13.
Bethi makes early impact with Washington Spirit
Bethi has appeared in five matches for the Washington Spirit since joining the team in August. She scored the match-winning goal in her second National Women’s Soccer League appearance, helping the Washington Spirit earn its first win in Portland.
The Washington Spirit is a professional women’s soccer team based in Washington, D.C., and plays at Audi Field. The club is an inaugural member of the National Women’s Soccer League.
Washington Spirit scheduled to host Gotham FC
The Washington Spirit is scheduled to return to Audi Field on Saturday, October 17, when it hosts Gotham FC. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. EDT.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Mélissa Bethi’s call-up gives the Washington Spirit midfielder another opportunity to contribute at the senior international level. Her five appearances and match-winning goal have marked an early contribution since she joined the club in August.
The Olympic qualifiers also give Bethi an opportunity to help Algeria build on its podium finish at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and its qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Source: Original report
