Argentina vs Algeria | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage | Preview and Predictions

Defending Champions Argentina begin their quest to keep their crown with a tough opening fixture against African heavyweights Algeria, who will be looking to announce themselves with a bang after being away from the World Cup for a good while. 

Here is our Preview and Predictions for the game.

FIFA WC26 | Group J: ARG vs ALG | 06:30 IST, 17 June, 2026

Argentina have gone from strength to strength ever since they got their hands on that elusive World Cup 4 years ago. They have been a force to be reckoned with and have time and again shown their class and quality in the big games. They won the Copa America 2024 and then strolled their way in the qualifiers, sitting pretty at the top from start to finish.

Algeria are back amongst the World Cup big boys after a 12-year absence, having last played in 2014 where they went out of the Round of 16. This time around, they ensured they put their best foot forward in qualifiers and dominated their group as they sealed their spot at the World Cup in comprehensive fashion. They looked to be on course for a dominating AFCON 2025 as well, going unbeaten before eventually suffering defeat to Nigeria in the quarters.

In terms of personnel, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has gone for most of the players that were part of the victorious 2022 campaign with a few new additions to the squad. Scaloni trusts continuity and togetherness and the squad is evidence of this fact. However, there is a smattering of new faces, with Valentin Barco, Giuliano Simeone, and Como sensation Nico Paz expected to get game time at some stage in the tournament.

Algeria have a few established stars in their ranks and will be using their proficiency and skill on the wings with both their wingers and full-backs expected to be high up the pitch with the system affording them the attacking freedom to cause damage down the opponent’s byline.

It is an absolute no-brainer that Argentina will once again look to Lionel Messi for inspiration. With many predicting that this will be his last international tournament, he will look to end it on the highest possible note with another World Cup under his belt.

For Algeria, Riyad Mahrez still is the undisputed star and the lynchpin for his side, but he has support in the form of Amine Gouiri, and Mohamed Amine Amoura, who was the top goalscorer in the African Qualifiers.

It is definitely going to be an interesting contest because Algeria love to play on the front foot and do have the creative players in their ranks to make life difficult for the Argentines. But Argentina start the game as favourites and therefore are expected to win the game, but expect it to be an even-keeled contest.

Score Predictions: Argentina 2-1 Algeria

Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City