VIDEO: Algerian, Argentine fans clash in New York ahead of World cup opener

Tension boiled over in New York’s iconic Times Square on Tuesday as supporters of Algeria and Argentina clashed in the streets hours before their teams face off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J opener in Kansas City.

A video circulating on social media, shared on X by #dammiedammie35, captured the chaotic scenes unfolding in the bustling square, where fans in Algerian jerseys mixed with those in the kit of Argentina.

The clip showed groups of supporters pushing and shoving amid bright billboards and crowded sidewalks, with police officers wading in to separate the rivals as bystanders filmed the altercation.

Police in uniform are seen intervening physically, pushing fans apart to restore order as the confrontation spilled across the pavement littered with debris.

Argentina fans, some shirtless and waving flags, shouted and gestured animatedly while Algerian supporters held their ground.

Social media users reacted strongly to the viral clip. One commenter, #Ezhekelly wrote “Eliminate Argentina from the world cup now,” while #Im_Kenny_A pleaded humorously, “Someone should pls pay for my ticket to USA! I have to defend my Argentina brothers.”

#Share_hodler001 warned, “Two rugged country. Mafians full those two countries.” As #TheHmans44 added, “Algerians cowards always attacking from behind in group like rats and still losing.”

The clash comes as defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, prepare to take on Algeria in what promises to be a fiery Group J encounter. Argentina are strong favourites, but the North Africans, returning to the World Cup, have vowed to make their mark.

VIDEO: Algerian, Argentine Fans Clash In New York Ahead of World Cup Opener

Korede Oluwadare

Tension boiled over in New York’s iconic Times Square on Tuesday as supporters of Algeria and Argentina clashed in the streets hours before their teams face off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J opener in Kansas City.

A video circulating on social media, shared on X by #dammiedammie35, captured the chaotic scenes unfolding in the bustling square, where fans in Algerian jerseys mixed with those in the kit of Argentina.

The clip showed groups of supporters pushing and shoving amid bright billboards and crowded sidewalks, with police officers wading in to separate the rivals as bystanders filmed the altercation.

Police in uniform are seen intervening physically, pushing fans apart to restore order as the confrontation spilled across the pavement littered with debris.

Argentina fans, some shirtless and waving flags, shouted and gestured animatedly while Algerian supporters held their ground.

Social media users reacted strongly to the viral clip. One commenter, #Ezhekelly wrote “Eliminate Argentina from the world cup now,” while #Im_Kenny_A pleaded humorously, “Someone should pls pay for my ticket to USA! I have to defend my Argentina brothers.”

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#Share_hodler001 warned, “Two rugged country. Mafians full those two countries.” As #TheHmans44 added, “Algerians cowards always attacking from behind in group like rats and still losing.”

The clash comes as defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, prepare to take on Algeria in what promises to be a fiery Group J encounter. Argentina are strong favourites, but the North Africans, returning to the World Cup, have vowed to make their mark.

Korede Oluwadare

Tension boiled over in New York’s iconic Times Square on Tuesday as supporters of Algeria and Argentina clashed in the streets hours before their teams face off in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J opener in Kansas City.

A video circulating on social media, shared on X by #dammiedammie35, captured the chaotic scenes unfolding in the bustling square, where fans in Algerian jerseys mixed with those in the kit of Argentina.

The clip showed groups of supporters pushing and shoving amid bright billboards and crowded sidewalks, with police officers wading in to separate the rivals as bystanders filmed the altercation.

Police in uniform are seen intervening physically, pushing fans apart to restore order as the confrontation spilled across the pavement littered with debris.

Argentina fans, some shirtless and waving flags, shouted and gestured animatedly while Algerian supporters held their ground.

Social media users reacted strongly to the viral clip. One commenter, #Ezhekelly wrote “Eliminate Argentina from the world cup now,” while #Im_Kenny_A pleaded humorously, “Someone should pls pay for my ticket to USA! I have to defend my Argentina brothers.”

#Share_hodler001 warned, “Two rugged country. Mafians full those two countries.” As #TheHmans44 added, “Algerians cowards always attacking from behind in group like rats and still losing.”

The clash comes as defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, prepare to take on Algeria in what promises to be a fiery Group J encounter. Argentina are strong favourites, but the North Africans, returning to the World Cup, have vowed to make their mark.

Watch video here:

𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐀𝐥𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧, 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐈𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫

Tension boiled over in New York’s iconic Times Square on Tuesday as supporters of Algeria and Argentina clashed in the streets hours before… pic.twitter.com/J01UcaT0X9

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) June 16, 2026