Algeria Dealt Bad News Ahead of World Cup Opener Against Lionel Messi's Argentina
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally underway, and one of the tournament's most anticipated opening-round matchups will feature Lionel Messi and Argentina taking on Algeria. Unfortunately for the Algerians, they will enter that challenge shorthanded.
According to reports from Argentina, Algeria defender Ramy Bensebaini will miss the team's World Cup opener against the reigning world champions. The news comes after Bensebaini had already been unavailable for Algeria's recent preparation matches against the Netherlands and Bolivia, raising concerns about his availability heading into the tournament.
Losing a player of Bensebaini's caliber is a significant blow for any team. Losing him just before a meeting with Messi and Argentina makes the challenge even steeper.
Ramy Bensebaini, una de las figuras de la selección de Argelia, será baja en el debut frente a Argentina por el Grupo J de la Copa del Mundo. El defensor de Borussia Dortmund ya se había perdido los últimos amistosos de preparación ante Países Bajos y Bolivia.
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) June 12, 2026
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Algeria Loses One Of Its Most Important Players
Bensebaini has been a cornerstone of Algeria's national team for nearly a decade.
The 31-year-old defender has made more than 80 appearances for his country since making his senior debut in 2017. Along the way, he has helped establish himself as one of Algeria's most reliable and versatile players, capable of playing both left-back and center-back.
His experience is particularly valuable on the international stage. Bensebaini was part of Algeria's victorious Africa Cup of Nations squad in 2019 and has been a regular fixture for the national team throughout multiple qualification campaigns.
The veteran defender also arrives at the World Cup with extensive experience at some of Europe's top clubs. After spells with Rennes and Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bensebaini joined Borussia Dortmund in 2023 and has remained an important contributor for the Bundesliga powerhouse.
A Tough Assignment Gets Tougher
Even at full strength, Algeria faced a difficult challenge against Argentina. The defending World Cup champions enter the tournament once again, led by Messi, who remains one of the biggest attractions in international soccer. Argentina opened the competition among the favorites to make another deep run and possesses one of the most talented rosters in the field.
Without Bensebaini, Algeria will be tasked with slowing Argentina's attack without one of its most experienced defenders. That puts additional pressure on the rest of the back line as they attempt to contain a team loaded with attacking talent.
World Cup Spotlight Arrives
For Algeria, the goal now becomes finding a way to overcome the setback and stay competitive in one of the toughest opening matches of the tournament. World Cups often produce surprises, and teams frequently find unexpected contributors when injuries force lineup changes.
Still, there is no denying the significance of Bensebaini's absence. As Algeria prepares to take the field against Messi and Argentina, one of the team's most accomplished players will be forced to watch from the sidelines, leaving a major void in both experience and leadership at the worst possible time.
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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 2:02 PM.