Riyad Mahrez, who won the African Cup of Nations with Algeria in 2019, has been one of the longest-serving players in the squad. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Algeria started its FIFA World Cup 2026 against defending champion Argentina at the Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday.

However, one of the major names missing from the starting 11 was Riyad Mahrez, the former Premier League winner with Leicester City and Manchester City.

Mahrez, who won the African Cup of Nations with the team in 2019, has been one of the longest-serving players in the squad.

Why is Riyad Mahrez not starting in Argentina vs Algeria?

Riyad Mahrez remains match fit and is among the substitutes, and him not starting comes as a natural surprise.

However, a possible reason for his exclusion could be coach Vladimir Petković choosing a younger winger over the 35-year-old. Anis Hadj Moussa, 24, has replaced the former Man City winger along the left flank.

He will have Ibrahim Maza and Amine Gouiri complete the front three for Algeria.

Published on Jun 17, 2026