Argentina vs Algeria — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 1
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Holders Argentina begin the defence of their crown against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City — and the spotlight falls squarely on Lionel Messi, in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup. Messi sits three goals short of Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup record of 13.
Lionel Scaloni's side remain the benchmark: world champions with a settled core and a fearsome front line in Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Algeria, under Vladimir Petkovic, are dangerous on the break — Mohammed Amoura's pace is their best route back into any game — but they are heavy underdogs here.
Expect Argentina to dominate the ball and Algeria to defend in numbers and counter. The bookmakers have La Albiceleste as overwhelming favourites; the question is less whether they win and more by how much, and whether Messi adds to his World Cup tally on the opening night.
Key storylines
- 01Messi's last dance: likely his final World Cup, and three goals from Klose's all-time record (13).
- 02Champions out of the blocks: Argentina begin the defence of their 2022 title.
- 03Lautaro and Alvarez: Scaloni's elite striking pair give Argentina relentless threat.
- 04Algeria on the counter: Wolfsburg's Mohammed Amoura is Les Fennecs' sharpest outlet.
- 05Rare meeting: the sides have met just once before — a 4-3 Argentina friendly win in 2007.
Prediction
Class and motivation point one way. Projected: Argentina 3-0 Algeria, with Messi expected to feature on the scoresheet.
