By Daniel Akinte
Argentina will kick off the defence of their World Cup crown against Algeria in Kansas City on Wednesday morning and the reigning champions are aiming to become just the third nation in history to retain the World Cup title.
La Albiceleste have been drawn in a competitive Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
Both sides know that a positive result in their opening match could set the tone for the rest of their campaign.
Match Details
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Kick-off: 02:00 BST
Venue: Kansas City
Referee: Szymon Marciniak
Last Meeting: Argentina 4-3 Algeria (June 5, 2007, International Friendly)
Team News
Argentina
The appearance would also see Messi become the first player to feature at six different World Cups.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has been declared fit after overcoming a finger injury.
Leandro Paredes and Nicolás González are also expected to be available despite recent fitness concerns.
Argentina will, however, be without Nicolás Tagliafico due to a calf injury. Facundo Medina and Valentín Barco are among the options to replace him at left-back.
Algeria
Algeria will be without defender Ramy Bensebaini because of an ankle injury.
Samir Chergui and Zineddine Belaid are competing for a place in the backline.
Forward Amine Gouiri returns after missing the recent AFCON through injury. He is expected to link up with Mohammed Amoura, who scored 10 goals during the CAF qualifiers.
Captain Riyad Mahrez remains a key figure for the North Africans.
Young playmaker Ibrahim Maza could provide the creative spark in attack and Goalkeeper Luca Zidane is expected to start between the posts.
Team Form
Argentina
Argentina head into the tournament as the world’s top-ranked team.
They finished first in CONMEBOL qualifying after winning 12 of their 18 matches. The side also scored 21 goals during a recent seven-game winning run.
Despite their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their last World Cup opener, Argentina have won their last six World Cup matches against African opposition.
Algeria
Algeria qualified impressively after topping their CAF group with only one defeat. Coach Vladimir Petković has helped improve the team’s defensive organisation.
The Fennec Foxes have conceded just two goals in their last six matches.
Recent wins over the Netherlands and Bolivia have further boosted confidence within the squad.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina XI: E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Li. Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, La. Martinez
Algeria XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Chergui, Ait-Nouri; Bentaleb, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Maza, Amoura; Gouiri.
