Argentina - Algeria: The defending champions take the field

After winning the title in Qatar four years ago, coach Scaloni has brought a squad to North America that includes 17 of the 26 players who won the 2022 World Cup.

Before arriving in North America, Argentina convincingly won the 2024 Copa America. They topped the South American qualifiers with 38 points after 18 matches, highlighted by a commanding 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil even without Messi on the field.

Entering their opening match of the 2026 World Cup as defending champions with a superior squad, the Albiceleste are considered favorites against Algeria. However, the African representatives have shown consistent form and a solid defense, promising to pose a tough challenge for Messi and his teammates.

Argentina is seen as one of the top contenders for the title this year. Lionel Scaloni's side has maintained stability, losing only one of their last six matches, while boasting a very strong defense that concedes an average of just 0.5 goals per game on average.

Albiceleste's greatest strength lies in their control of the game. The trio of De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Mac Allister enables the South American team to dominate the midfield, allowing Messi to operate freely behind the forwards.

Messi will be the focal point of attention in this match. The superstar, born in 1987, has scored 13 goals and provided 8 assists in five previous World Cups. He suffered a hamstring injury but has recovered and scored in a recent friendly win over Iceland. Messi has also made 26 World Cup appearances, more than any other player.

Messi carries great expectations in his sixth World Cup appearance. The 39-year-old star has won every major honor in his career, and his presence this year serves as a spiritual anchor for the younger generation.

Argentina's ambition is to win the World Cup for the fourth time in history, becoming the third team to successfully defend the title after Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962).

Despite being heavily favored, the 1-2 loss to Saudi Arabia in Qatar four years ago has taught coach Scaloni valuable lessons for this year's group stage campaign in North America.

Argentina's opponent, Algeria, is no easy team. After 12 years, Algeria returns to the World Cup. The North African side brings an experienced squad to this tournament, including Riyad Mahrez, Houssem Aouar, Ramiz Zerrouki, and Amine Gouiri. The defense is led by Aissa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini, while Mohamed Amoura is the main hope up front.

In African qualifiers, Algeria easily topped their group with an impressive performance to qualify for the World Cup for the fifth time history. However, in their four previous appearances, they have only advanced past the group stage once (in 2014). Notably, Algeria has won just one of their last ten World Cup matches, a World Cup match, a 4-2 victory over South Korea 12 years ago.

In this match, Algeria is likely to adopt a counter-attacking style, utilizing the speed of Amoura's speed and Mahrez's creativity.

The match between Argentina and Algeria will take place at 8:00 AM on June 17.

Predicted starting lineups for both teams
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez.
Algeria: Luca Zidane, Samir Chergui, Aissa Mandi, Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Ait Nouri, Ibrahim Maza, Ramiz Zerrouki, Houssem Aouar, Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri, Mohamed Amour.