The champion can't afford to relax: prediction for Argentina vs Algeria - 17.06.2026
On Wednesday, one of the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup group stage will see Argentina take on Algeria. The reigning world champions begin their title defense against a side returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 - and they arrive in impressive form.
Argentina: lessons learned from Saudi Arabia, Messi leads the champions once again
After qualifying, Argentina delivered a flawless run in friendlies - seven wins from seven matches. In March, Lionel Scaloni’s side specifically tuned up for African opposition, edging Mauritania 2-1 and dismantling Zambia 5-0.
The core of the championship squad remains intact, Lionel Messi is ready to start, and Leandro Paredes is back from injury to add depth in midfield. There are some personnel nuances: Emiliano Martínez is still recovering from a broken finger, so Gerónimo Rulli is expected to start in goal, while Nicolás Tagliafico is ruled out of the match.
Algeria: impressive form, but big matches still test their mettle
Algeria approach the World Cup opener with confidence: for the first time in their history, they won eight out of ten qualifiers, then strung together a strong set of friendlies before the tournament. In March, the Algerians hammered Guatemala 7-0 and held Uruguay to a 0-0 draw, then in June, they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 and thrashed Bolivia 4-0.
The major loss is Ramy Bensebaini, who is almost certain to miss the Argentina clash due to injury. That’s a serious blow to the defense, especially against an opponent who can methodically break down a low block through Messi, Álvarez, Mac Allister, and incisive passes from deep.
Probable line-ups
- Argentina: Rulli, Medina, Otamendi, Romero, Molina, Almada, Fernández, De Paul, Mac Allister, Álvarez, Messi.
- Algeria: Zidane, Belaïd, Mandi, Belghali, Aït-Nouri, Bentaleb, Zerrouki, Mahrez, Maza, Amoura, Gouiri.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Argentina have won seven consecutive friendlies since qualifying, including victories over Mauritania and Zambia.
- Before the World Cup, Algeria kept a clean sheet against Uruguay, beat the Netherlands, and routed Bolivia.
- Since their shock loss to Saudi Arabia at the start of World Cup 2022, Argentina haven't suffered similar slip-ups at major tournaments.
- There have been no more than 8 corners in regulation time in 8 of Argentina’s last 10 World Cup matches.
- At least 4 yellow cards have been shown in regulation time in 8 of Argentina’s last 10 World Cup games.
Scaloni won’t repeat old mistakes: prediction for Argentina vs Algeria
Algeria look more dangerous than your typical opening-round underdog: they’ve got form, attacking pace, Mahrez, Amoura, and experience against top opposition. But against Argentina, discipline alone won’t be enough - the world champions are experts at sensing when to accelerate and punish positional mistakes.
Bensebaini’s absence is especially significant: without him, Algeria’s defense could buckle under the pressure from Messi and his supporting cast between the lines. Argentina are unlikely to charge forward recklessly, but should calmly take control, break down the block, and start their campaign with a win.
