Defending world champions Argentina begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Wednesday when they take on Algeria in a Group J clash at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium.
Lionel Scaloni’s side arrive in North America carrying the weight of expectation after lifting the trophy in Qatar four years ago. History, however, is not on their side. Only Italy and Brazil have successfully defended a World Cup title, highlighting the scale of Argentina’s challenge.
The good news for La Albiceleste is that they are in excellent form. Argentina have won their last five matches, scoring 15 goals while conceding only once. Comfortable warm-up victories over Honduras and Iceland have further boosted confidence ahead of their tournament opener.
All eyes will once
again be on Lionel Messi, who is set to make his 27th World Cup appearance. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has had his minutes managed carefully in recent weeks following a minor hamstring concern, but he is expected to lead the attack.
Argentina Team News
Argentina’s squad remains largely intact from their triumphant 2022 campaign, although injuries have forced a few notable absences.
Left-back Marcos Acuna misses out with a muscle injury suffered while playing for River Plate, while defender Leonardo Balerdi withdrew after sustaining a calf problem in training.
Promising youngsters Franco Mastantuono and Alejandro Garnacho were also left out after difficult club campaigns.
Projected Argentina XI:
Emiliano Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Otamendi, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez; Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Almada.
Algeria Team News
Algeria enter the tournament in impressive form themselves, having lost only three of their last 28 matches across all competitions. The Desert Foxes topped their qualification group and even defeated the Netherlands in a recent warm-up fixture.
Defender Ayoub Ghezala misses the tournament due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery, while midfielder Ismael Bennacer was not selected after an injury-hit season.
Head coach Vladimir Petkovic has also moved on from several veteran stars, including Islam Slimani, Baghdad Bounedjah and Yacine Brahimi.
The headline name remains captain Riyad Mahrez, while goalkeeper Luca Zidane — son of French legend Zinedine Zidane — is also part of the squad.
Projected Algeria XI:
Luca Zidane; Abada, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Zerrouki, Bentaleb; Mahrez, Aouar, Amoura; Gouiri.
Prediction
Algeria possess enough quality and counter-attacking threat to cause problems, but Argentina’s depth, experience and attacking firepower should ultimately prove decisive.
With Messi orchestrating proceedings and Lautaro Martinez leading the line, the reigning champions are expected to control possession and create the better chances.
Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Algeria.
