Argentina vs Algeria Betting Tips – 17.06.2026

It’s time for the world champions to kick off their title defence! Argentina faces Algeria at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City in their first match from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi is expected to lead the selection with the captain armband, but Los Albiceleste are facing a tough opponent. Let’s preview in our World Cup 2026 both teams to score predictions.

Four years ago Argentina triumphed in Qatar with their third World Cup title. It was a terrific campaign for Lionel Scaloni’s team, led by Lionel Messi – one of the greatest players ever. Now part of the team is different, but many of the heroes are returning as well. And Messi is one of them.

Algeria approach the World Cup with the confidence of being one of the best African teams at the moment. Coached by the experienced Bosnian manager Vladimir Petkovic, the Greens have some incredible players in the squad. Their goal is to reach the knockout phase for a second time in their history.

Argentina News & Analysis

Just days before the first match at the World Cup, Argentina’s team is troubled by injuries. The defender Leonardo Balerdi was already sent home while Lionel Messi missed the 2-0 win against Honduras in a friendly game. At the same time Julian Alvarez continues to recover from an injury as well – he might miss the first game against Algeria.

If Julian Alvarez doesn’t play against Algeria, most likely Inter Milan’s captain Lautaro Martinez will replace him in the line-up. Lautaro scored one of the goals against Honduras. The 28-years old remains a solid option for Scaloni in the attack, although Alvarez is expected to start games when he’s 100% fit.

It’s still not clear if Lionel Messi will start against Algeria or not. Messi is recovering from a minor injury. Decision shall be taken in the hours before the match.

Algeria News & Analysis

Argentina have Lionel Messi, but Algeria have Riyad Mahrez – one of the best players in the history of this nation. Mahrez, currently playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, is probably having his last World Cup at 35-years of age. His leadership and creativity might be decisive for the Greens during the competition.

But Algeria has other quality players, except Mahrez. Wolfsburg’s Mohamed Amoura and Marseille’s Amine Gouiri are options for the attack while Lille’s Nabil Bentaleb, Bayer Leverkusen’s Ibrahim Maza and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Fares Chaibi already got some experience on top level. In defence we have Man City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri and Borussia Dortmund’s Ramy Bensebaini as players who play for European top clubs.

Argentina vs Algeria Betting Predictions

Especially given the fact that Argentina have some squad problems at the moment, it’s going to be a tough one for the world champions – Algeria are not a team that you can beat easily.

1X;
Under 3.5 Goals;
Algeria Over 0.5 Goals;

Head-to-Head Matches

Argentina and Algeria have played just one game against each other – it happened 20 years ago in a friendly match. The clash ended with a dramatic 4-3 win in Los Albiceleste’s favour.

Betting Verdict

This match won’t be that easy for Argentina as many people think. On the contrary, Los Albiceleste have some problems at the moment while Algeria are a tough opponent. Thank you for being with us and our World Cup 2026 both teams to score predictions.