(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Algeria Lodge Complaint to FIFA Over Refereeing in World Cup Loss to Argentina
Algeria have officially submitted a complaint to FIFA over refereeing decisions during their 3-0 defeat to Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J match earlier this week.
According to reports, the Algerian football federation sent a letter to FIFA’s refereeing committee, raising concerns about several incidents they believe were not properly reviewed during the match in Kansas City.
One key moment highlighted was an early first-half challenge involving Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Algeria defender Aissa Mandi. Algerian officials argue that Messi made contact with Mandi in a way that should have been reviewed for disciplinary action, but no card was issued.
Algeria also pointed to another second-half incident involving Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister and Algerian player Ibrahim Maza, claiming that an elbow challenge went unpunished by the match officials and VAR team.
The match, refereed by experienced Polish official Szymon Marciniak, has sparked debate among fans and analysts regarding consistency in decision-making and the use of video assistant refereeing.
The incidents have also triggered wider discussion on social media about refereeing standards at the tournament.
Argentina went on to win the match 3-0 and continue their World Cup campaign, while Algeria will look to bounce back in their remaining group fixtures as they fight for qualification to the knockout stage.
