Argentina
Algeria
The reigning world champions finally take the field. Argentina open their Group J campaign at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City against a Algeria side that has quietly assembled one of the most dangerous attacks outside the top ten in this tournament. This is not the banana skin that 2022's opener against Saudi Arabia turned out to be — but Lionel Scaloni has warned his players to take nothing for granted, and with good reason. The Fennec Foxes beat the Netherlands in warm-up, have conceded just twice in their last six matches, and carry a front three capable of punishing any lapse. The occasion carries its own weight too: tonight, Lionel Messi makes his 200th international appearance and becomes the first player in history to participate at six different World Cup tournaments. This is history in every sense.
Argentina — La Albiceleste
Scaloni lines up in a 4-4-2, with Emiliano Martínez — the penalty hero of Qatar 2022 and undisputed first choice — in goal behind a back four of Medina, Otamendi, Romero and Molina. Romero and Otamendi is one of the most experienced and formidable centre-back partnerships at this tournament, while Molina's overlapping runs from right back provide a crucial attacking outlet for the team.
The midfield four of Almada, Fernández, Mac Allister and Paúl is balanced and technically excellent. Mac Allister provides the creative link from deep, Fernández the combative energy to win second balls, while Almada and Paúl give Argentina width and the ability to switch play quickly. Up front, the partnership of Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez is the most celebrated in world football right now. Álvarez — tireless, intelligent and clinical — ran the channels and scored vital goals throughout the 2022 run. Messi, at 38, is no longer the explosive wide forward of his Barcelona peak, but his vision, movement, dead-ball delivery and sheer ability to conjure something from nothing in the tightest of spaces remains unmatched by anyone alive.
Argentina topped CONMEBOL qualifying with 38 points, including a memorable 4-1 win over Brazil, and have won seven consecutive matches since, scoring 21 goals and conceding just one. They have won all six of their World Cup matches against African opposition since 1990. The weight of defending the title is significant — but this is a squad that has been through everything together and knows how to deliver under pressure.
Algeria — The Fennec Foxes
Vladimir Petkovic lines up in a 4-3-3, with Zidane in goal behind a back four of Nouri, Mandi, Bensebaini and Belghali. The midfield three of Boudaoui, Maza and Chaibi provides a solid engine room — Boudaoui is the standout, a combative and dynamic presence who can drive forward and add numbers to attack when the opportunity arises.
The front three is where Algeria carry their genuine threat. Riyad Mahrez — at 35 and winding down his career at Al-Ahli, but still a player of world-class pedigree when motivated — starts on the right and will look to cut inside onto his left foot and find the killer ball. Islam Slimani's replacement as the primary striker is Mohamed Amoura — the Wolfsburg forward who has been one of the revelation performers in Algeria's build-up, quick, direct and increasingly clinical in front of goal. Gouiri provides the pace and creativity from the left.
Algeria's qualification was impressive — they topped their CAF group, suffered just one defeat, and only two African teams scored more goals. Their pre-tournament results are genuinely encouraging: a 7-0 rout of Guatemala, a goalless draw with Uruguay, wins over the Netherlands and Bolivia. Petkovic has built a defensively organised and tactically disciplined side, and they arrive on a five-match unbeaten run. The gap in class between these two sides is real — but Algeria's form says they can make this uncomfortable.
The one context worth noting: in 2022, Argentina lost their opener to Saudi Arabia before recovering to win the title. Scaloni will have made sure his players have not forgotten that.
Predicted Lineups
Key Battle
Riyad Mahrez vs Nicolás Medina. Mahrez at his best is one of the most dangerous players in this tournament — he drifts inside from the right, operates in tight spaces and can deliver the final ball or shoot on goal in equal measure. Medina at left back will have to be disciplined in denying him the turn, aggressive enough to press high when needed and alert enough not to ball-watch when Mahrez looks to exchange passes and spin in behind. If Mahrez finds pockets and has time, Algeria can hurt anyone. If Medina can contain him, Argentina's right side opens up and Molina's overlapping runs become far more dangerous for Algeria in return.
Prediction
Argentina will win this. Their quality is simply too great across the pitch, Messi and Álvarez are the best strike partnership in the tournament, and the occasion of Messi's 200th cap and sixth World Cup will bring the best out of a squad that thrives on historic moments. But Algeria's defensive solidity, Mahrez's individual quality and the memory of Saudi Arabia 2022 ensure this is far from a formality.
Expect Argentina to be patient, professional and ultimately decisive in the second half.
Argentina 3–0 Algeria — Messi, Álvarez, Mac Allister
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