Argentina v Algeria: 2026 World Cup Prediction

The 2022 world champions begin their title defence against a dangerous underdog. Can Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, make an immediate statement, or will Algeria spring a surprise? Oranje Palace brings you a full preview, line-ups and the best betting tips.

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Argentina v Algeria preview

Argentina remain one of the hot favourites to win the 2026 World Cup. With Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández, the team boasts a blend of experience and quality. Their pre-tournament form has been impressive: convincing victories against Iceland, Gambia and Honduras without conceding a single goal.

Algeria are a tough opening opponents. The North Africans are physically strong, well-organised and dangerous on the counter-attack. They achieved impressive results in the run-up to the World Cup, including a 1-0 win over the Netherlands and a 4-0 victory over Bolivia.

Current Form & Team News

Argentina

Lionel Scaloni’s side are in excellent form. In their World Cup warm-up matches, they convincingly beat Iceland, Gambia and Honduras without conceding a single goal. The defence is rock-solid, and up front they boast immense quality in the form of Messi, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez. There are no major injury concerns, meaning Argentina can start the tournament virtually at full strength.

Algeria

The Lions of Teranga have had a strong pre-tournament run. Among other results, they beat Bolivia 4-0 and secured an impressive 1-0 victory over the Netherlands. They also drew with Uruguay. Algeria are physically strong, well-organised and dangerous on the counter-attack. Key players such as Riyad Mahrez and Anis Hadj Moussa are in fine form. However, Algeria must be wary of the individual quality of the Argentinians.

Head-to-Head

• Argentina and Algeria have not faced each other very often in the past.
• Their last meeting took place a few years ago and was won by Argentina.
• Historically, Argentina has a clear advantage, but Algeria has shown it can spring a surprise against top teams (such as their 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in a friendly).

Predicted Line-ups

Argentina (4-4-2):

E. Martinez, Tagliafico, Martinez, Otamendi, Molina, Almada, McAllister, Fernández, De Paul, Lautaro, Messi

Algeria (4-3-3):

Zidane, Ait-Nouri, Bensebaini, Mandi, Belghali, Aouar, Maza, Bentaleb, Hadj-Moussa, Mahrez, Gouiri

Argentina v Algeria Betting Tips

Betting Tip 1: Both teams to score – No

Argentina have a very strong defence and Algeria struggle to score against top teams. We expect Argentina to keep a clean sheet. This bet has odds of 1.61.

Betting tip 2: Lionel Messi to score or provide an assist

Messi will likely want to start his final World Cup with a bang. Against an Algerian defence that occasionally leaves space, there’s a good chance he’ll be involved in a goal. A goal for Argentina’s star player will earn you odds of 1.78.

Prediction

Final score: Argentina 2–0 Algeria
Argentina are clearly the better side and have far greater individual quality. Algeria will find it tough, but they certainly won’t go down without a fight.