Upon arriving in the United States, one of the figures from the African team stated that they will prevail against the Albiceleste in their World Cup debut
The countdown to the debut in the 2026 World Cup has begun and, after their narrow victory in Rotterdam against the Netherlands, Algeria does not hide their confidence. The African team landed on Sunday night in the United States to enter the final stage of preparation before facing the Argentine National Team in the first match of Group J, and one of their young stars took the opportunity to send a challenging message.
It is Ibrahim Maza, a 20-year-old midfielder who plays for Bayer Leverkusen and is considered one of the most promising talents in the squad. As soon as he stepped off the plane in Kansas City, the player spoke to the press and made it clear what his team's aspirations are for the debut.
"We will beat Messi, God willing. We have to have a good World Cup, and the first match against Argentina is very important", the midfielder stated. Far from lowering the tone, he further elaborated on his stance: "They provoke a lot, but we have to put effort into the match, play smart, and see what happens. If God wills it, we will do well and beat Messi".
Ibahim Maza is confident he can beat Argentina in the World Cup debut
After completing the entry procedures into the country, the African delegation left the airport under heavy rain and went directly to the University of Kansas, the complex they will use as their operations center throughout their participation in the World Cup.
There, they were greeted by a scene that surprised several members of the squad. Hundreds of Algerian fans gathered near the training camp with flags, drums, and chants to support them ahead of the tournament. The players responded with greetings and thanks before entering the facility.
With the squad already settled and the enthusiasm of their supporters backing them, Algeria will begin this week the final training sessions and prepare for their last friendly (vs. Bolivia on June 10 in Kansas City) before the World Cup. Once in the tournament, "The Desert Foxes" will open their World Cup participation on June 16 against Argentina at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, then they will face Jordan on the 23rd at the Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara and close the group stage against Austria on the 27th again in Kansas City.
