Preview: Argentina vs Algeria prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

La Seleccion will take on The Greens in Group J of the FIFA World Cup

Argentina and Lionel Messi achieved their ultimate goal of winning the FIFA World Cup back in 2022 in Qatar. The nation’s third triumph ended a 36-year wait for a third star on their jersey. They will hope to become the first back-to-back male world champions since Brazil in 1962. They will take on the Algerian National Football Team in Group J.

Lionel Scaloni has built one of international football’s most settled squads, and they are one of the favourites to win this edition’s competition as well. They had a brilliant qualifying campaign and have done really well in their friendly games as well.

On the other hand, Algeria entered this tournament on the back of a strong CAF qualifying campaign, winning five of six matches and conceding only four goals across the group stage. Vladimir Petkovic is very confident in his boys and hopes they deliver a top performance on the pitch.

They did well in the friendly games just before the World Cup and will be hungry to do well against the current champions. This will be a mouthwatering clash for sure.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Kick-Off:

• Location: Kansas City, USA
• Stadium: Kansas City Stadium
• Date: Tuesday, 16 June
• Kick-Off Time: 17/06/2026, 01:00 AM (GMT) | 09:00 PM (EST) | 17/06/2026, 06:30 AM (IST)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In Use

Form

Argentina (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Algeria (in all competitions): W-W-D-W-L

Players to Watch

Lionel Messi (Argentina)

This will be Messi’s sixth World Cup, and for the first time, he will be playing in the World Cup to defend the title. The Little Man from Rosario won the competition back in Qatar in 2022, and now is the time to defend it. He had a great season with Inter Miami as he helped his side win trophies.

In 2026, he has played 16 matches, in which he scored 13 goals and provided seven assists so far. Maybe he won’t be playing for the full 90 minutes, but surely his presence will be a big threat to the opposition team.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

After a long time, Algeria is back in the World Cup, and Mahrez will lead his side in this competition. He helped his club Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League to win back-to-back Champions League titles, and hopes to help his national team in the World Cup.

He played 38 games this season, in which he scored eight goals and provided nine assists. In recent AFCON as well, he did quite well, but the World Cup is a completely different challenge, but is experienced enough to help his team win matches.

Match Facts

• This will be the first time these two sides will face each other in the FIFA World Cup
• Argentina won the last fixture against Algeria by 4-3The
• Argentina Football team are undefeated in 16 consecutive matches.

Argentina vs Algeria: Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1 – Argentina to win this fixture – 2/5 by bet365
• Tip 2 – Both teams to score
• Tip 3 – Goals scored over 1.5

Injury and Team News

Argentina Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Gerónimo Rulli, Juan Musso

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina (Atlético de Madrid), Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Otamendi, Marco Senesi, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Nicolás Tagliafico

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Giovani Lo Celso, Valentín Barco

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Nicolás Paz, Thiago Almada, Nicolás González, Giuliano Simeone, Lautaro Martínez, José Manuel López, Julián Álvarez

Algeria Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Luca Zidane, Oussama Benbot, Melvin Mastil

Defenders: Rafik Belghali, Samir Chergui, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Jaouen Hadjam, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaïni, Zinedine Belaïd, Mohamed Amine Tougaï, Achraf Abada

Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb, Hicham Boudaoui, Houssem Aouar, Farès Chaïbi, Ibrahim Maza, Yacine Titraoui, Ramiz Zerrouki

Forwards: Mohamed Amine Amoura, Nadhir Benbouali, Adil Boulbina, Farès Ghedjemis, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa, Riyad Mahrez

Head-to-Head

Matches: 1

Argentina: 1

Algeria: 0

Draws: 0

Predicted Lineups

Argentina Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

E. Martínez (GK); Molina, Romero, L. Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Álvarez, González

Algeria Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Zidane (GK); Belghali, Belaid, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Zerrouki, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Aouar, Chaibi; Gouiri

Match Prediction

The defending champions are clear favourites to win this fixture, but Algeria won’t be an easy team to beat for sure. Argentina will hope to start their campaign with a win this time, as in the previous edition, they suffered a defeat against Saudi Arabia. Most probably, Argentina will win this fixture.

Prediction: Argentina 3-2 Algeria

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: FStv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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