“We’re ready,” says Riyad Mahrez ahead of the World Cup kick-off

The captain of the Algerian national team has demonstrated the squad’s determination, emphasising their commitment to representing the country with dignity on the world stage.

For Riyad Mahrez, the most important thing is to do Algeria proud and give his all on the pitch. Asked about Algeria’s first match in the group stage against Argentina on 17 June, the Algerian winger believes that every match will be crucial in the quest to qualify for the next round.

“I don’t know if there are high expectations of us. We’re here to make a mark, to make our families and our country proud. That’s the most important thing for us. The first match against Argentina? It’ll be a great match; we’re treating it like any other. We’re focused on the others as well. We’ll see, but we’re ready.”

Algeria are in Group J alongside Argentina, Jordan and Austria at the World Cup, which kicks off on 11 June.