Defending world champions Argentina will finally begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey on Tuesday when they face Algeria in their Group J opener in Kansas City.
The Albiceleste are chasing a place in football history as they attempt to become only the third nation after Brazil and Italy to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title. Under the guidance of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina arrive at the tournament in excellent form after finishing top of the CONMEBOL qualification standings.
One of the standout moments of their qualifying campaign was a memorable 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil, while captain Lionel Messi finished as the team’s leading scorer with eight goals during the qualification process.
Argentina also head into the tournament full of confidence after recording seven consecutive victories in friendly matches against Mauritania, Iceland and Puerto Rico, scoring 21 goals and conceding just once. The reigning champions have also won each of their last six World Cup matches against African opposition since their shock opening defeat to Cameroon in 1990.
Algeria, however, will be determined to spoil the party. The Fennec Foxes return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2014 and are targeting a second-ever qualification to the knockout rounds.
Managed by Vladimir Petković, Algeria impressed during the CAF qualification campaign, finishing top of Group G and securing their place with a game to spare. Their recent form has also been encouraging, with victories over the Netherlands and Bolivia adding to a strong run that has seen them concede only two goals in their last six matches.
The two nations have met only once before, with Argentina claiming a thrilling 4-3 victory in a 2007 friendly at Camp Nou, a match remembered for Messi’s first international brace.
With Austria and Jordan also competing in Group J, both sides know that a positive result could prove crucial in the race for a place in the knockout stages. Argentina will start as favourites, but Algeria arrive in North America confident they can test the reigning world champions and perhaps produce one of the tournament’s early surprises.
Team News
As ever, Argentina will be captained by Messi, who is set to make his 200th international appearance – and his 27th at the World Cup.
The Inter Miami man already holds that record, and having overcome a hamstring injury he will now become the first player to participate at six different editions.
Qatar 2022 penalty hero and undisputed number one, goalkeeper Emi Martinez has been cleared to play after breaking a finger before the Europa League final.
Meanwhile, Algeria will also be missing a left-sided defender, as Ramy Bensebaini is still struggling with an ankle injury; Samir Chergui and Zineddine Belaid are vying to take his place in the starting XI.
Marseille striker Amine Gouiri was selected for the squad after skipping AFCON with a shoulder issue, and he is usually supported by Wolfsburg’s Mohammed Amoura.
Possible lineups
Argentina possible starting lineup:
E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Li. Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, La. Martinez
Algeria possible starting lineup:
Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Chergui, Ait-Nouri; Bentaleb, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Maza, Amoura; Gouiri
How to Watch
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | SuperSport |
| Live Stream | DSTV stream |
| Kick-off Time | 02:00am (WAT) |
Match Predictions
Softfootball predicts Argentina 2-0 Algeria
This will be no easy warm-up game for the reigning world champions, as Argentina’s toughest group fixture could come in the opening round.
