Algerian Football Federation files FIFA protest over alleged referee error in 2026 World Cup loss to Argentina

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) submitted an official protest to FIFA after Algeria’s 3‑0 defeat by Argentina in the opening group match of the 2026 World Cup, held on 16 June in Kansas City. The FAF alleges that referee Simon Marchini failed to send off Lionel Messi for a strong tackle on defender Aïssa Mandi in the 30th minute and ignored two further incidents involving Ibrahima Maïga and Anis Hanj Moussa, with no VAR intervention. The federation stated, «Δεν αμφισβητούμε την ανωτερότητα της Αργεντινής, αλλά δεν μπορούμε να μένουμε σιωπηλοί απέναντι σε τέτοιες αποφάσεις», adding that it does not request a change of result but seeks a review of the officiating. Algeria will continue its group stage against Jordan and Austria as it strives to advance in the tournament.