Lionel Messi is set to make history once again when Argentina launch their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday, with the reigning champions beginning their quest to retain football’s biggest prize.
The Argentina captain is expected to make his 200th international appearance and become the first player to feature in six different World Cup tournaments, adding another remarkable milestone to a career already filled with records.
Four years after lifting the trophy in Qatar, Lionel Scaloni’s side arrive in North America carrying the weight of expectation. Only Brazil and Italy have successfully defended the World Cup, and Argentina now have the opportunity to join that exclusive club.
La Albiceleste secured their place at the tournament in impressive fashion, finishing top of the South American qualifying standings. Their campaign was highlighted by a memorable 4-1 victory over Brazil in Buenos Aires, a result that reinforced their status as one of the strongest teams in international football.
Scaloni’s men collected 38 points from 18 qualifying matches and rarely looked troubled throughout the process. Messi once again led from the front, finishing as Argentina’s top scorer during qualification with eight goals.
Their preparations for the World Cup could hardly have gone better. Argentina won seven consecutive friendly matches heading into the tournament, scoring 21 goals while conceding only once. Victories over Mauritania, Iceland and Puerto Rico may not have come against elite opposition, but they showcased the squad’s confidence and attacking sharpness.
Despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites, Argentina know the dangers of complacency. Their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening game at the 2022 World Cup remains a reminder that reputations alone guarantee nothing on football’s biggest stage.
That experience should ensure full focus against an Algeria side capable of causing problems.
The Fennec Foxes are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and will be determined to make their mark. Their previous appearance saw them reach the knockout stages for the first and only time in their history before narrowly losing to Germany after extra time.
Now under the guidance of Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria arrive in the United States with renewed confidence following an encouraging run of results.
The North Africans qualified by finishing top of their CAF qualifying group, losing only once and securing their place with a game to spare. Their attacking strength was particularly impressive, with only two African nations scoring more goals during qualification.
While their Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended in disappointment with a quarter-final exit, recent performances suggest the team is developing into a serious contender once again.
A stunning 7-0 victory over Guatemala, a draw against Uruguay, and wins over the Netherlands and Bolivia have provided momentum heading into the tournament. Algeria have also conceded just two goals in their last six matches, highlighting significant defensive improvement.
Captain Riyad Mahrez remains one of the team’s key figures despite entering the latter stages of his career. The former Manchester City winger will be tasked with providing creativity and leadership against one of the world’s most complete teams.
Much of Algeria’s attacking threat could come from Mohammed Amoura. The Wolfsburg forward enjoyed an outstanding qualification campaign, scoring 10 goals in 10 matches while also contributing four assists. Alongside Marseille striker Amine Gouiri, he gives Algeria genuine attacking quality capable of troubling any defence.
Argentina’s team news is largely positive ahead of the match. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has recovered from a finger injury suffered before the Europa League final and is expected to start between the posts.
Messi has also overcome a recent hamstring issue and appears ready to lead the attack alongside Lautaro Martinez. Midfielders Leandro Paredes and Nico Gonzalez have returned to training after minor muscular concerns.
However, Scaloni will be without left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, who has been ruled out with a calf injury. Facundo Medina is expected to deputise in defence.
Algeria also have a notable absentee, with Borussia Dortmund defender Ramy Bensebaini struggling to recover from an ankle problem. His absence represents a significant blow against an Argentine attack featuring Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Thiago Almada.
Historically, Argentina have enjoyed success against African opposition at the World Cup. Since their defeat to Cameroon in 1990, they have won all six of their subsequent matches against African nations in the tournament.
The two teams have met only once before, with Argentina claiming a thrilling 4-3 victory in a friendly at Camp Nou in 2007. That match was particularly memorable as it featured Messi’s first international brace.
While Algeria possess enough talent to make life difficult, Argentina’s balance, experience and defensive solidity should ultimately prove decisive. Scaloni’s side have looked extremely difficult to break down in recent months, and their ability to control games remains one of their greatest strengths.
A tight contest may be expected early on, but the world champions have repeatedly shown they know how to win these types of matches.
Prediction: Argentina 1-0 Algeria
Algeria have the quality to frustrate Argentina and could make this one of the most competitive fixtures in Group J. However, the reigning champions possess superior experience, defensive organisation and match-winners across the pitch. A narrow victory would represent the perfect start to Argentina’s title defence.
