The Algerian Olympic Committee sent a total of 39 athletes to the Games, 21 men and 18 women, to compete in 12 sports.

The Algerian team included judoka Soraya Haddad, who previously won the bronze medal in Beijing, and sabre fencer Lea Moutoussamy, who set the nation's record as the youngest athlete, at age 14, in its Olympic history.

Light heavyweight boxer and 2011 World Series champion Abdelhafid Benchabla was the nation's flag bearer at the opening ceremony.

Algeria left London with its first Olympic gold medal since 2000 from middle-distance runner Taoufik Makhloufi.

Abdelhafid Benchabla has qualified for the Games by winning the light heavyweight 80–85 kg division at the World Series of Boxing finals.