Argentina launch their World Cup title defence against Algeria in Kansas City on Wednesday.
Lionel Scaloni’s confident side attempt to retain their prestigious global crown this summer. Only Italy and Brazil have previously achieved consecutive World Cup tournament victories. La Albiceleste topped their CONMEBOL qualifying group with supreme ease and tactical dominance.
They arrive in the United States in truly spectacular form across all competitions. They boast a flawless seven-match winning streak ahead of this crucial Group J clash. Scaloni has established successful tactical systems that can adapt perfectly to any opposition. They face a highly disciplined Algerian side capable of playing a possession-heavy style.
Argentina team news
Lionel Messi will proudly captain his country in a truly historic international appearance. He becomes the first player to feature in six different World Cup tournaments. The veteran forward recently overcame a minor hamstring injury to lead the attack.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is cleared to play despite suffering a broken finger recently. Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Gonzalez expect to recover from their recent muscular issues.
However, Nicolas Tagliafico misses the match after straining a calf muscle against Honduras. Facundo Medina will likely deputise on the left side of the defensive line. Nicolas Otamendi and Lisandro Martinez will anchor the central defensive pairing against Algeria. Nahuel Molina will provide crucial width and energy from the right-back position.
Rodrigo De Paul and Enzo Fernandez will dictate the tempo from the midfield. Alexis Mac Allister and Thiago Almada provide crucial attacking support in advanced areas. Lautaro Martinez will partner Messi to form a lethal and dynamic attacking duo.
The defending champions hope to avoid a slow start similar to their 2022 campaign, when they began their title-winning campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia.
Argentina predicted lineup
Argentina predicted XI: E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Li. Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, La. Martinez.
When will the match kick off?
The FIFA World Cup match kicks off at 02:00 BST on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
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.
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