Upon Algeria's arrival in the United States for the 2026 World Cup, Ibrahim Maza openly addressed the pressure of facing defending champions Argentina in their opening game. "We need to have a good World Cup, and the first match against Argentina will be very important", the Leverkusen midfielder stated. "They often try to provoke opponents, but we must stay calm, play intelligently, and see what happens".
Maza, 20, has an Algerian father and a Vietnamese mother. Born in Germany, he represented various German youth teams before choosing to play for his father's homeland. When asked about facing the defending champions and superstar Lionel Messi, Maza declared: "We will defeat Messi, if Allah wills it."
 |
Algerian midfielder Ibrahim Maza reacts after the German national cup (DFB-Pokal) semi-final between Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany on 22/4. *Photo: AFP*
Major Argentine sports media outlets widely reported the "declaration of war" from the young Algerian player ahead of the match on 17/6 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Following his debut for the Algerian national team against Togo in 10/2024, Maza gradually became a key player in coach Vladimir Petkovic's tactical system. At the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the young midfielder was a regular presence, helping Algeria reach the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Nigeria.
These performances solidified Maza's place in Algeria's squad for their first World Cup appearance since 2014. With his skill, ability to handle the ball in tight spaces, and energetic play, he represents a promising talent for Algerian football. In the Bundesliga, he has played 30 matches, scoring 4 goals.
Who is the Vietnamese-origin player at the 2026 World Cup?
Nevertheless, the initial challenge for Maza and his teammates in the United States will be tough. Argentina remains a top contender for the championship. The South American powerhouse is not only the reigning world champion but also boasts Messi. While he no longer maintains the intensity of his peak, the 38-year-old superstar remains central to Argentina's play. The Inter Miami captain's experience, ability to create decisive moments, and influence command caution from all opponents.
Besides Argentina and Algeria, Group J also includes Austria and Jordan. After their match against Algeria, Argentina will face Austria and Jordan. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Lionel Scaloni's squad lost 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in their opening game but subsequently advanced to the final, defeating France in a penalty shootout to claim the title.
Hoang An (via UOL)
