The opening match of Group J sees reigning world champions Argentina begin their World Cup 2026 title defence against Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday.Lionel Scalonis side arrive in North America among the favourites to lift the trophy once again after an impressive qualifying campaign and a lengthy unbeaten run in the build-up to the tournament. Argentina topped the CONMEBOL standings, highlighted by a memorable 4-1 win over Brazil, and have since won seven consecutive matches while conceding just once.The South Americans are chasing a place in history, aiming to become only the third nation after Brazil and Italy to retain the World Cup. Algeria, meanwhile, are making their first World Cup appearance since 2014 after an impressive qualification campaign. Vladimir Petkovics side topped their CAF qualifying group and have shown encouraging form in recent months, recording victories over the Netherlands and Bolivia while conceding only twice across their last six matches.The Fennec Foxes possess plenty of attacking quality through Riyad Mahrez, Mohammed Amoura and Amine Gouiri, and they will view this fixture as an opportunity to prove they can compete with one of the tournament favourites. Table of ContentsWorld Cup 2026: Argentina v Algeria team newsArgentina v Algeria: World Cup 2026 predicted line-upsWhere to watch Argentina v Algeria: TV channel, live online streamsWorld Cup 2026: Argentina v Algeria statsWorld Cup 2026: Argentina v Algeria predictionWhat To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemWorld Cup 2026: Argentina v Algeria team newsArgentina captain Lionel Messi is expected to start after recovering from a hamstring issue, with the Inter Miami star set to become the first player to feature at six different World Cups.Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been cleared to play after overcoming a finger injury, while Leandro Paredes and Nico Gonzalez are also expected to be available following recent muscular concerns.The main absentee for Scalonis side is left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, who has been ruled out with a calf injury. Facundo Medina is expected to deputise on the left side of defence.For Algeria, Ramy Bensebaini remains unavailable because of an ankle injury, meaning Samir Chergui could partner Aissa Mandi in central defence.Amine Gouiri is fit after previous shoulder problems, while captain Riyad Mahrez and CAF qualifying top scorer Mohammed Amoura are both expected to start in attack.Argentina v Algeria: World Cup 2026 predicted line-upsArgentina starting XI: Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, Lautaro MartinezAlgeria starting XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Chergui, Ait-Nouri; Bentaleb, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Maza, Amoura; GouiriWhere to watch Argentina v Algeria: TV channel, live online streamsKick-off on Wednesday is at 02:00 BST (21:00 ET on Tuesday / 18:00 PT on Tuesday). In the UK, live coverage is on ITV1.Fans can stream the action on a vast range of devices through the ITVX app.World Cup 2026: Argentina v Algeria statsOnly Brazil (5) and Germany and Italy (4 each) have won the World Cup more often than Argentina (3), with no nation lifting the trophy on as many occasions as La Albiceleste since their first triumph in 1978Argentina could become the third team to win back-to-back titles, after Italy (1934-1938) and Brazil (1958-1962)They have qualified for their 19th World Cup, with this their 14th participation in a row as part of the third-longest current run, after Brazil (23) and Germany (19)The only occasion when Argentina failed to advance from the group stage across their last 14 World Cup appearances was in 2002 under Marcelo BielsaLionel Messi holds the all-time record for most World Cup appearances, with 26 matches played(13 goals, 8 assists). In 2022, he scored or assisted 10 of Argentinas 15 goals (7 goals, 3 assists)Lionel Scaloni is the only Argentina head coach to win both the World Cup (2022) and theCopa America (2021, 2024), as well as being the first to lead Argentina at two consecutive World Cup tournaments since Carlos Bilardo, who won the competition in 1986 and finished as runner-up in 1990This is Algerias fifth appearance at the finals and their first since 2014, with the World Cup in Brazil representing the only time they have progressed past the first roundAlgeria won two of their first three matches at the World Cup in 1982 but have been victorious in one of their 10 such matches since then, beating Korea Republic 4-2 in the group stage in 2014They have recorded one clean sheet in their 13 World Cup matches, sharing a 0-0 draw with England in 2010With eight wins in qualifying, Algeria achieved their highest such tally in a single campaign, surpassing their seven victories in 2010Mohammed Amoura was the top scorer in African qualifying, netting 10 goals in 10 matches and being involved in 58% of Algerias goals, scoring 10 and assisting four of their 24Vladimir Petkovic previously led Switzerland to the round of 16 in 2018 and is the second Bosnian to take charge of Algeria at a World Cup, after Vahid Halilhodzic in 2014World Cup 2026: Argentina v Algeria predictionAlgeria have enough quality to make life difficult for the reigning champions and should be one of Argentinas toughest group-stage opponents.However, Scalonis side have been exceptionally strong defensively in recent months and possess the experience required to navigate a potentially awkward opening fixture.Prediction: Argentina 1-0 AlgeriaWhat To Do If You Have A Gambling ProblemResponsible GamblingGambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)GamCare: www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware: gambleaware.orgGamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Alexis Mac Allister Algeria national football team Argentina National Football Team Cristian Romero Emiliano Martinez Enzo Fernandez FIFA World Cup Julian Alvarez Lionel Messi Lionel Scaloni Lisandro Martinez Rodrigo de Paul World Cup World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup boss reacts to Liverpool and PSG transfer talk: They told me Diomande is going to sign Ben Miller 15th June, 2026 Austria v Jordan: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream and prediction Mitch Fretton 15th June, 2026 Neymar: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, results, kick off times, confirmed injury news updates, full Brazil squad Ben Miller 15th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finals Ben Miller 15th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full list of confirmed teams, fixtures, groups and results Ben Miller 15th June, 2026 Sweden boss Potter fears he was bitten at World Cup 2026: Ive got to watch my bleeding ear Ben Miller 15th June, 2026
