FAF files complaint with FIFA over controversial refereeing decisions against Argentina

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has decided to file a complaint with FIFA to denounce the refereeing errors committed during Algeria’s 3-0 defeat to Argentina on Tuesday evening in Kansas City, as part of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

The first incident motivating this action dates back to the 32nd minute. While the Albiceleste were already leading 1-0, Lionel Messi stamped on the lower calf of Aïssa Mandi. A gesture deemed dangerous by the Algerians, who believed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner deserved a red card. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak issued no sanction. Messi subsequently scored all three goals of the match.

The FAF also reported to the international body an elbow from Alexis Mac Allister on Ibrahim Maza in the 74th minute. Hit in the face, the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker collapsed to the ground, without Marciniak intervening further.

This complaint, however, is unlikely to succeed. FIFA does not overturn refereeing decisions made during a match, and no procedure exists to cancel or replay a match on this basis.

Sportively, the Fennecs cannot afford another mistake. They face Jordan on Tuesday to stay alive in the competition, before concluding the group stage against Austria on June 28. Qualification for the round of 16 remains possible, but the path looks narrow after this heavy opening defeat.