Argentina launch World Cup defence against ambitious Algeria

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J match, Argentina vs. Algeria, kicks off at 02:00 [GMT+1] on Wednesday, June 17, at Kansas City Stadium. Szymon Marciniak [POL] will be the referee for this match, while Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh [NZL] will be the VAR. Defending champions Argentina begin their quest to retain the FIFA World Cup crown when they take on Algeria with the aim to become only the third country after Italy and Brazil to successfully defend the title. The Albiceleste arrive in North America carrying the weight of expectation after a dominant qualifying campaign. Lionel Scaloni’s side topped the CONMEBOL standings for the first time since 2014, collecting 38 points [12W, 2D, 4L] from 18 matches and underlining their credentials with a memorable 4-1 victory over arch-rivals Brazil in Buenos Aires. That triumph highlighted the quality and experience within a squad that remains largely intact from their World Cup-winning campaign in Qatar. Argentina have also maintained their momentum [WWWWW] since booking their place at the finals, winning seven consecutive friendly matches against the likes of Mauritania, Iceland, and Puerto Rico, among others, while scoring 21 goals and conceding just once. History also favours the South Americans. The Albiceleste have won all six of their World Cup matches against African opposition since a shock 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in 1990 [6W, 0D, 0L], while they have not failed to score in a tournament opener since that famous upset. Their only previous meeting with Algeria came in a thrilling 4-3 friendly victory in 2007, a match remembered for Lionel Messi scoring his first international brace. Argentina will be without experienced left-back Nicolás Tagliafico, who is sidelined with a calf injury. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Lautaro Martínez leading the attacking line is expected against the Fennecs. Algeria, meanwhile, return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and will be determined to make an immediate impression. The Fennecs are appearing at the finals for just the fifth time and are hoping to replicate the success of their memorable 2014 campaign, when they reached the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Vladimir Petkovic’s side qualified impressively, finishing top of their CAF qualifying group with one game to spare. Algeria lost just once in their last five matches [LWDWW], recording notable victories while conceding only two goals during that run. They will miss the experience of Dortmund defender Ramy Bensebaini, who remains unavailable due to an ankle injury. Amine Gouiri may be seen at the attacking end of a 3—4—2—1 pattern against Argentina.