Argentina begin their 2026 World Cup campaign with a Group J clash against Algeria as the defending champions look to make another strong start on football’s biggest stage.
After lifting the trophy in Qatar in 2022, Argentina arrive at the tournament carrying the expectations that come with being world champions, but they will know there are no easy games at a World Cup.
There is also added significance around this year’s tournament, with Lionel Messi set to play in what is expected to be his final World Cup.
The Argentine captain completed football’s ultimate achievement when he helped his country win the World Cup in Qatar, and fans around the world will be hoping to see one more memorable chapter from one of the game’s greatest players.
Algeria will believe they can make life difficult for the favourites and arrive as a side capable of causing problems. Still, Argentina remain the team everyone in Group J will be chasing.
How to watch Argentina vs Algeria
Argentina vs Algeria kicks off at 02:00 BST on Wednesday, June 17, at the Kansas City Stadium.
The match will be shown live in the UK on ITV1 and STV. Fans can also stream the game via ITVX and STV Player.
In the United States, the game will be shown on FOX or FS1, with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo or Universo and streaming via Peacock.
In Canada, World Cup coverage is available on TSN and RDS, with select matches also broadcast on CTV. Streaming is available via TSN, RDS, CTV and Crave.
Argentina team news
Argentina head into their opening game in good shape, and Lionel Scaloni has very few selection headaches ahead of the clash with Algeria.
Lionel Messi will naturally grab most of the attention, especially with this expected to be his final World Cup, but this Argentina side is about far more than just one player – like it was accused of being in 2022.
Julián Álvarez has developed into a reliable goalscorer and impact sub, while Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández have become key figures in midfield.
For me, that is where Argentina hold a massive advantage. They have quality all over the pitch, and there are very few weak spots for opponents to target.
Barring any late surprises, Scaloni is expected to stick with the trusted core of players that have delivered success over the last few years. Given how settled this squad looks, that is probably the right call.
Argentina expected XI:
Martínez – Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico – De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister – Messi, Martínez, Almada.
Algeria team news
Algeria will arrive as underdogs, but they have enough experienced players to believe they can make things difficult for the world champions.
Riyad Mahrez remains the player Argentina will be most wary of. Even at this stage of his career, he is capable of producing moments that can change a game in an instant.
Alongside him, former Spurs man Nabil Bentaleb will be asked to keep Algeria competitive in midfield against one of the tournament’s strongest engine rooms.
If Algeria are going to get anything from this match, they need their senior players to have big games. They are unlikely to see much of the ball, and chances may be hard to come by.
Personally, I think their approach will be quite simple. Stay organised, stay patient and try to keep the score level for as long as possible. If Argentina score early, the task becomes much harder.
Algeria expected XI:
Zidane – Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri – Bentaleb, Boudaoui – Mahrez, Maza, Chaibi – Gouiri.
Argentina vs Algeria stats
- Argentina are the defending World Cup champions after beating France on penalties in the 2022 final.
- The Albiceleste have reached at least the quarter-finals in four of the last five World Cups.
- Argentina have won 10 of their last 12 World Cup matches across normal time.
- Lionel Messi scored seven goals during Argentina’s successful World Cup campaign in Qatar.
- Argentina have kept clean sheets in five of their last eight World Cup matches.
- Algeria are appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
- Algeria’s best World Cup performance came in 2014 when they reached the Round of 16 before losing to Germany after extra time.
- Argentina have won each of their last three meetings with African opposition at the World Cup.
- Algeria have never beaten Argentina in a senior international match.
Argentina vs Algeria prediction
Algeria are a decent side and they have players who can cause problems on their day. The trouble is that their first game happens to be against the defending world champions.
I actually think Algeria will make a decent fist of it early on. Argentina have had a habit of starting tournaments slowly in the past, and there is always a bit of tension around opening matches. The longer it stays goalless, the happier Algeria will be.
The problem for Algeria is that Argentina can hurt you from just about anywhere. If it is not Messi, it is Martinez. If it is not Martinez, it is Alvarez or Enzo Fernandez arriving late into the box. They simply have too many ways to win a football match.
There is also the feeling that Argentina will want to make a statement. They arrived in Qatar four years ago with plenty of questions hanging over them.
This time, they arrive as champions, and I suspect they will be keen to remind everyone of that.
Could Algeria nick a goal? Absolutely.
Can I see them taking points off Argentina? Not really.
We have seen upsets already, just look at Spain vs Cape Verde, but if Argentina don’t win this one, I’ll be genuinely surprised.
Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Algeria
