World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Algeria – Preview, team news and kick-off time

Defending champions Argentina begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a Group J clash against Algeria in Kansas City on Wednesday, June 17.

Lionel Scaloni's side look to take the first step towards retaining the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago.

With Austria and Jordan also in Group J, both nations know that a positive start could prove crucial in the race for a place in the knockout stages.

Argentina Begin Title Defence

Argentina arrive at the tournament among the favourites to lift the World Cup once again. Having defeated France in the memorable 2022 final, Lionel Scaloni's men are aiming to become only the third nation in history to win back-to-back World Cups after Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).

The Albiceleste head into the competition in outstanding form. They secured qualification by winning the CONMEBOL qualifying campaign and have recorded 13 victories from their last 15 matches, suffering just one defeat during that run.

South American nations have also enjoyed tremendous success in World Cups hosted in the Americas, winning seven of the last eight editions held on the continent, giving Argentina additional belief heading into the tournament.

Messi Chasing More History

All eyes will once again be on Lionel Messi, who continues to rewrite football history.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner enters the tournament with 13 World Cup goals and eight assists and will make his 200th appearance for Argentina if selected. He is also set to become the first player ever to feature in six different FIFA World Cups.

Messi showed he remains capable of making the difference after coming off the bench to score in Argentina's recent 3-0 friendly victory over Iceland.

Algeria Return to the World Stage

Algeria arrive at the World Cup in impressive form of their own after winning 14 of their last 19 matches.

The Desert Warriors topped their qualification group for the second consecutive campaign and will be making their fifth appearance at the World Cup finals. Their most successful tournament came in 2014 when they reached the knockout stages for the first time.

However, World Cup history has largely been challenging for Algeria. Since winning two of their first three matches at the 1982 tournament, they have managed just one victory in their last ten World Cup games.

Head coach Vladimir Petković has nevertheless expressed confidence that his side can challenge the defending champions and has already revealed that he has prepared multiple tactical plans for the encounter.

Tactical Battle

Argentina are expected to dominate possession and build attacks around Messi's creativity, supported by a talented squad filled with attacking options.

Algeria will likely rely on their pace in transition and the goal threat of Mohamed Amoura, who finished as the top scorer in the CAF World Cup qualifiers with ten goals.

The North Africans will need defensive discipline and organisation if they are to frustrate one of the strongest teams in the competition.

Team News

Argentina have received a major boost with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez declared fit and available for selection.

However, defender Nicolás Tagliafico remains a doubt ahead of the match.

Algeria will be without experienced defender Ramy Bensebaini, who misses the opening fixture through injury.

Head-to-Head Record

The two nations have met only once before.

That encounter came in a friendly match in June 2007, with Argentina securing a thrilling 4-3 victory. It was also the game in which Messi scored his first-ever brace for the national team.

Key Players to Watch

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

The Argentina captain remains the team's creative heartbeat. With 13 World Cup goals and eight assists, Messi continues to deliver on football's biggest stage and enters the tournament chasing more records.

Mohamed Amoura (Algeria)

Amoura arrives in excellent form after finishing as the leading scorer in African qualifying. Remarkably, Algeria have won all 13 international matches in which he has found the net.

Hot Stats

• Argentina have won each of their last six World Cup matches against African opposition.
• The winning team led at half-time in each of Argentina's last nine matches.
• Including extra time, Algeria have kept only one clean sheet in 13 World Cup matches.
• None of Algeria's last six matches have seen both teams score.

Kick-Off Time

The Group J encounter between Argentina and Algeria will take place on Wednesday, June 17, in Kansas City, with kick-off at 01:00GMT.