Argentina faces Algeria this Tuesday (16), at 10pm (Brasília time), at Arrowhead Stadium, in Kansas City, for their debut in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Riyad Mahrez, captain and main star of the Fennecs, is the big threat to Lionel Scaloni’s defense. At 35 years old, the striker with experience at Leicester and Manchester City arrives as a technical reference and leader to try to complicate the life of the world champion. The live broadcast is on CazéTV on YouTube.
Mahrez stands out for his dribbling skills, shots from outside the box, precise crosses and free kicks. Even with his age, he maintains a high level in Saudi Arabia and in the Algerian national team. Vladimir Petković counts on him to lead counterattacks and exploit spaces left by Argentine pressure.
Riyad Mahrez’s tactical role in Algeria
Captain since 2017, Mahrez was fundamental in Algeria’s recent campaigns, including the 2019 African Cup. His tactical intelligence allows him to appear in the best spaces and create plays for Amoura, Gouiri and Aouar. In the 4-2-3-1 formation, he plays on the right side or as an attacking midfielder, being mainly responsible for unbalancing.
Against Argentina, Mahrez should be closely watched by Molina or Giay on the wing and the midfield of Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister and De Paul. His experience in big European games makes him dangerous in moments of transition.
Current form and importance for Petković
Mahrez arrives at the World Cup motivated after a consistent season, with good numbers of goals and assists. He overcame minor physical issues and leads the group with charisma. For the coach, the captain is the symbol of the campaign: he combines technical quality with leadership, essential for a team that seeks to surprise the favorites.
His presence raises the level of his teammates and forces Argentina to respect Algeria’s speed.
Expectations for the duel in Kansas City
With Riyad Mahrez inspired, Algeria dreams of an upset against Messi’s Argentina. Albiceleste enters as favorites, but needs to neutralize the Algerian captain. Alongside Emiliano Martínez in goal, the reinforced defense and the attack led by Messi and Lautaro, Scaloni’s team seeks to start with victory. Referee Szymon Marciniak commands the match in the packed stadium. Follow the minute by minute on ge.globo.
