World Cup 2026: Algeria Complains to FIFA About Refereeing After Loss to Argentina

According to a VNA correspondent in Algiers, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) sent a complaint to FIFA about the refereeing in their 0-4 loss to Argentina in the opening match of Group J at the 2026 World Cup, particularly concerning the collision between superstar Lionel Messi and defender Aïssa Mandi.

A source from FAF on June 19 stated that Algeria believes the referee made unfair decisions that affected the match. The focus of the complaint is an incident in the 30th minute when Messi made a tackle from behind on Mandi. According to Algeria, this was a serious foul that should have resulted in a red card. “The complaint mainly concerns Messi's tackle. In our view and that of many others, it was a situation deserving a red card,” the FAF source said.

In addition to the above foul, FAF also mentioned two elbow collisions by Argentine players that they believe should have been dealt with more severely. “We do not deny the strength of the Argentine team, but we cannot remain silent about what we consider injustice. There were three very clear incidents, but VAR technology did not intervene,” the source emphasized.

In the match played on June 17, Messi scored three goals to help Argentina secure a resounding victory over Algeria. This hat-trick also allowed the 39-year-old superstar to equal the record of 16 goals in World Cup tournaments held by German football legend Miroslav Klose.

The loss to the reigning world champions has put Algeria in a difficult position in the race to advance from Group J. The North African team will play their second match against Jordan on June 23 (Vietnam time) before concluding the group stage with a clash against Austria on June 27.

Algeria now aims to get past the World Cup group stage for the second time in history. Their best performance in the tournament remains reaching the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they lost to Germany - the eventual champions - after 120 minutes of intense play.

FIFA has not yet issued an official response to FAF's complaint.