Argentina begin their World Cup title defence against Algeria in Kansas City on Wednesday morning.
La Albiceleste attempt to become just the third nation to retain the prestigious global crown. They share Group J with Austria and Jordan in a highly competitive tournament section.
Meanwhile, Algeria return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2014. The Fennec Foxes possess enough technical quality and organisation to challenge the reigning champions. Both teams fully understand the immense value of a strong start to their respective campaigns.
Argentina vs Algeria – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, 17 June 2026
- Kick-off:02:00 BST
- Venue: Kansas City
- Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
- Last Meeting: Argentina 4–3 Algeria (5 June 2007, International Friendly)
Team news
Argentina
Lionel Messi will captain Argentina in his milestone 200th international appearance. The forward has recovered from a hamstring injury to make absolute football history. He becomes the first player to participate in six different World Cup tournaments. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is cleared to play after recently breaking a finger.
Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Gonzalez should recover from their minor muscular problems. That said, Nicolas Tagliafico misses out after straining a calf against Honduras. Facundo Medina or Valentin Barco could deputise at left-back for the defending champions.
Algeria
Algeria will miss left back Ramy Bensebaini due to a lingering ankle injury. Samir Chergui and Zineddine Belaid are actively competing to replace him in defence. Amine Gouiri joins the squad after skipping the recent AFCON with a shoulder issue. Mohammed Amoura will support him after scoring 10 goals during CAF qualifying.
Veteran winger Riyad Mahrez will captain the side despite experiencing recent quiet spells. Ibrahim Maza provides exciting creative potential for Vladimir Petkovic in the final third. Luca Zidane expects to start in goal for the confident Fennec Foxes.
Form
Argentina
The defending champions enter their opening match in truly stunning physical and tactical form. They comfortably topped CONMEBOL qualifying, winning 12 of their 18 rigorous matches. Lionel Scaloni’s side scored 21 goals during a recent seven-match winning streak.
They arrive in North America as the world’s top-ranked team. Argentina have consistently scored in their opening tournament fixtures, though last time they started with a defeat against Saudi Arabia. They have won their last six World Cup matches against African opposition.
Algeria
Algeria arrive in North America boasting immense confidence after a strong qualifying campaign. The Fennec Foxes topped their CAF group and suffered only one defeat. Petkovic has instilled greater defensive discipline within his technically gifted squad.
They recently secured highly impressive victories over the Netherlands and Bolivia. Despite mixed initial results, they have conceded only twice across their last six matches. Algeria hope to challenge the world champions using a possession-based tactical approach.
Predicted lineups
Argentina Predicted XI: E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Li. Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, La. Martinez
Algeria Predicted XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Chergui, Ait-Nouri; Bentaleb, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Maza, Amoura; Gouiri
How to watch Argentina vs Algeria?
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1. Viewers in the United States can watch live on Fox Sports.
Read more – Iconic Performances: Ronaldo treble stuns Spain at World Cup
See Also- World Cup Day 4: Germany thrash Curacao, Five-star Sweden
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