World Cup 2026 / Argentina 3 - 0 Algeria / FAF complaint: FIFA delivers its verdict!

The controversial refereeing in the Algeria vs. Argentina match has taken a dramatic new twist. Football’s global governing body has reportedly acknowledged a VAR malfunction and decided to sanction the officials involved.

The controversy surrounding the refereeing of the Algeria-Argentina (0-3) clash on the opening day of the 2026 World Cup continues to escalate. According to revelations by journalist Hafid Derradji, FIFA has admitted a misjudgment by the VAR team regarding the two contentious incidents flagged by the Algerian Football Federation (FAF).

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After reviewing the footage, the world governing body reportedly determined that the video referees failed in their duties by not asking Szymon Marciniak to review Lionel Messi’s studs-up challenge on Aïssa Mandi, as well as Alexis Mac Allister’s elbow on Ibrahim Maza. As a result, again according to the same source, FIFA has decided to sanction the VAR officials responsible for this match.

However, this incident has also shed light on how video assistance operates at the 2026 World Cup. Unlike previous editions, VAR referees are not stationed inside stadiums but work from a central control center in Dallas, overseeing all matches held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Additionally, Mandi reportedly told those close to him that Marciniak indicated a VAR check was underway before the video officials ultimately decided not to intervene.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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