Defending champions Argentina kick off their title defense with an opening fixture against Algeria early Wednesday morning in Kansas City.
Argentina headline Group J in the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside their opponents Algeria, Austria and lowly-ranked Jordan.
The entire world is in anticipation as this is set to be Lionel Messi’s final appearance at the competition, and how poetic it would be if he left his country after defending the title they won in Qatar 2022.
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This year’s edition marks their 14th consecutive appearance at the finals, after they finished top of CONMEBOL qualifying for the first time since 2014.
Lionel Scaloni’s side bring a seven-match winning streak into this opening fixture and are confident they can bag all three points here.
They face an Algerian outfit who are making a return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence, looking to make their mark. The Desert Foxes famously reached the round of 16 in Brazil 2014, eventually being knocked out by eventual winners Germany.
Algeria topped Group G in the CAF qualifiers, suffering just one defeat and confirming their place with one round remaining – and only two teams scored more goals across Africa.
Will the defending champions manage a win in their opening fixture after the shock defeat at the last finals, or can Algeria make it back-to-back defeats by overpowering them here? Have a look at our predicted outcome for the match.
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What time does Argentina vs Algeria start?
The match kicks off at 4AM E.A.T at the Arrowhead Stadium
Argentina vs Algeria team news
Number one goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been cleared and will start in goal for Scaloni’s side.
Lionel Messi will make his 200th appearance for Argentina here and he will captain his side. He is set to become the first Argentine to appear at six World Cup finals.
Lyon left-back Nicolas Tagliafico has been ruled out after straining a calf against Honduras; with Facundo Medina or Valentin Barco set to take his place.
Liverpool’s Alexis MacAllister will start in midfield alongside Rodrigo de Paul, while Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez will lead the attacking line.
Algeria will also be missing a left-sided defender, as Ramy Bensebaini continues to fight to recover from an ankle injury.
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Marseille striker Amine Gouiri was selected for the squad after missing AFCON due to a shoulder injury, and he will be supported by Wolfsburg forward Mohammed Amoura.
The rest of the side will remain unchanged with veterans Riyad Mahrez and Rayan Ait-Nouri both expected to start.
Argentina vs Algeria head-to-head and current form
Argentina boasts a remarkable record heading into this fixture, winning their last seven games. They have scored 21 goals in that run and conceded just once.
Meanwhile, the Desert Foxes have won three of their last five games and lost just once – a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria. They have scored 12 goals in their last four games and not conceded any.
These teams have only played each other once before, with Argentina edging the thrilling contest 4-3 back in 2007.
Current form:
Argentina – WWWWW
Algeria – WWDWL
Argentina vs Algeria previous game
- Algeria 3-4 Argentina (June 5, 2007)
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Argentina vs Algeria prediction
The champions are favorites ahead of this game and are tipped to get off to a winning start. Their winning run coming into this game is unmatched and they boast a wealth of talent capable of extending it.
Algeria have proved to be very solid defensively, though they will need a miracle to keep out the potent Argentine attack.
Prediction – Argentina to win
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