By DZWatch
December 26, 2025
While the streets of Algeria were celebrating a dominant 3-0 victory over Sudan in the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the echoes of the “Desert Warriors'” performance reached as far as Buenos Aires. The Argentine press, usually preoccupied with their own domestic stars, turned a sharp eye toward the Fennecs this week—and for a very strategic reason.With Algeria confirmed as Argentina’s first opponent in the opening match of the **2026 FIFA World Cup** (set for June 16, 2026), the South American media is now monitoring every move made by Vladimir Petković’s men.### “A Warning for Scaloni”The popular Argentine sports portal
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led with a headline that captured the sudden anxiety: **”Warning for Argentina before World Cup 2026: Algeria is the Real Deal.”** The outlet highlighted that the Fennecs didn’t just win; they dominated. They also picked up on the playful yet confident remarks from Youcef Belaïli regarding his future encounter with Lionel Messi, noting that the Algerian “spark” is something the *Albiceleste* defense should not take lightly.### The 16-Match Unbeaten StreakMeanwhile, ***El Destape*** focused on the sheer consistency of the Algerian squad. In an article titled **”Algeria Won’t Stop: 16-Match Unbeaten Run Puts Argentina on High Alert,”** the newspaper analyzed the physical tactical discipline of the team. They described the Algerian side as a “compact machine” that has mastered the art of high-pressure football throughout 2025, suggesting that the World Champions will face a “nightmare” opener in June.### The “Mahrez-Maza” ConnectionThe legendary ***TyC Sports*** took a more technical approach to the 3-0 victory. Their analysts were particularly impressed by the blend of generations within the squad.* **Riyad Mahrez:** Described as “the eternal magician,” his performance against Sudan was seen as a message that his world-class quality remains intact.* **Ibrahim Maza:** The Bayer Leverkusen starlet was dubbed the “Rising Threat.” *TyC Sports* warned that Maza’s clinical finishing and pace represent a new era for Algerian football that Argentina’s tactical lines must prepare for.### “La Goleada”The term **”Goleada”** (a crushing victory) was used across several outlets like ***MetaGoles***, which noted that while Sudan was the victim today, the efficiency of the Algerian attack was “frightening.” The consensus among Argentine pundits is clear: Algeria is no longer just an African powerhouse; they are a global threat ready to spoil Argentina’s title defense.### Final WordFor **DZWatch**, this international attention confirms what we already knew: The Fennecs are not just playing for a third golden star on their chest in this AFCON; they are building a reputation that has the reigning World Champions looking over their shoulders.As the tournament progresses, all eyes—especially those in Argentina—will remain fixed on the Green and White.
