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Argentina vs Algeria — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 1

Argentina flagArgentina
08days
23hrs
18min
45sec
Algeria flagAlgeria
Venue to be confirmed·

Match preview / What to expect

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Holders 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

  1. 01Messi's last dance: likely his final World Cup, and three goals from Klose's all-time record (13).
  2. 02Champions out of the blocks: Argentina begin the defence of their 2022 title.
  3. 03Lautaro and Alvarez: Scaloni's elite striking pair give Argentina relentless threat.
  4. 04Algeria on the counter: Wolfsburg's Mohammed Amoura is Les Fennecs' sharpest outlet.
  5. 05Rare meeting: the sides have met just once before — a 4-3 Argentina friendly win in 2007.

Prediction

Kickoff editorial call

Class and motivation point one way. Projected: Argentina 3-0 Algeria, with Messi expected to feature on the scoresheet.

Projected lineups

Projected XI — not confirmed
Argentina flag

Argentina

Formation 4-3-3
  1. 1Emiliano Martinez (GK)
  2. 2Nahuel Molina
  3. 3Cristian Romero
  4. 4Nicolas Otamendi
  5. 5Nicolas Tagliafico
  6. 6Rodrigo De Paul
  7. 7Enzo Fernandez
  8. 8Alexis Mac Allister
  9. 9Lionel Messi
  10. 10Lautaro Martinez
  11. 11Julian Alvarez
Algeria flag

Algeria

Formation 4-2-3-1
  1. 1Alexandre Oukidja (GK)
  2. 2Youcef Atal
  3. 3Aissa Mandi
  4. 4Ramy Bensebaini
  5. 5Jaouen Hadjam
  6. 6Nabil Bentaleb
  7. 7Ismael Bennacer
  8. 8Riyad Mahrez
  9. 9Houssem Aouar
  10. 10Said Benrahma
  11. 11Mohammed Amoura

Team news

Argentina flag

Argentina

  • Lionel Messi is three goals short of Klose's all-time World Cup record of 13.
  • Lautaro Martinez arrives as Serie A's top scorer with 17 league goals.
  • Julian Alvarez (8 goals, 4 assists in La Liga) gives Scaloni tactical flexibility up front.
Algeria flag

Algeria

  • Mohammed Amoura (8 goals, 3 assists in the Bundesliga for Wolfsburg) is the key counter threat.
  • Algeria are long odds (around +600) to win, with Argentina priced as heavy favourites.
  • Petkovic's side will likely defend deep and look to break at pace.

Sources

Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.

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