Argentina vs Algeria: World Cup 2026 preview

Argentina vs Algeria kicks off on 16 Jun 2026 at 21:00 EST (17 Jun at 01:00 GMT) in Kansas City. Lionel Messi will play in a sixth World Cup as he captains holders Argentina, while Riyad Mahrez leads Algeria. Lionel Scaloni, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, aims to become the first manager to win back-to-back titles since Vittorio Pozzo in 1938.

Argentina’s squad blends experience and Premier League talent — Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez are included — with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez providing attacking firepower. With 26 World Cup appearances, Messi holds the current record for the most matches at the tournament and sits on 198 caps for Argentina.

Vladimir Petković’s Algeria feature veteran Riyad Mahrez, the recalled Nabil Bentaleb and attacking options such as Houssem Aouar and Amine Gouiri.

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