Yahia slams Algeria after 3-0 defeat to Argentina: "Fighting spirit was absent"

Algeria began its 2026 World Cup campaign with a heavy 3-0 defeat to defending champions Argentina in the early hours of Wednesday in Kansas City. Lionel Messi scored all three goals of the match, leaving Vladimir Petkovic’s side without an answer.

Beyond the scoreline, it was the manner of the performance that sparked indignation. Anthar Yahia, former captain of the Fennecs (53 caps, 6 goals), sharply criticized the attitude of Riyad Mahrez and his teammates. “There are attitudes that cannot be overlooked. You are in a World Cup and, after just a quarter of an hour of play, it is not possible to neglect the duty to press the ball carrier, especially when you are facing Argentina,” he said.

The former defender pointed to the absence of intensity as the cardinal sin of the evening. “Pressing the opponent and showing the necessary aggression, within allowed limits, was essential. That was missing during the match.” Harsh words that reflect a sentiment widely shared in the wake of the encounter.

Yahia also addressed the reaction of Algerian supporters, distinguishing defeat from abandonment: “The Algerian supporter, when he sees you make the necessary effort, even if the result is not what he hoped for, he forgives you. But when the fighting spirit is absent, that becomes unacceptable.”

The situation is now critical for the Greens. With zero points after this opening match, the encounter against Jordan on Tuesday at 5 a.m. already takes on a decisive character for the rest of their tournament journey.