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The current world champions Argentina begin their title defence this Tuesday against an Algeria side returning to football’s biggest stage after a 12-year absence.
Find out more details about Argentina v Algeria
Argentina arrive at the World Cup aiming to repeat a feat not seen since Brazil with Pelé: winning back-to-back World Cups. To achieve this, Lionel Scaloni has kept much of the 2022 title-winning core, with names like Emiliano Martínez, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez and Lionel Messi, who is playing in his sixth World Cup.
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La Albiceleste come into the tournament on the back of an extremely positive cycle since their triumph in Qatar, also lifting the 2024 Copa América and leading the South American qualifiers. In their final preparation for the World Cup, the team beat Iceland 3-0, once again showing the strength of their defensive system and the variety of attacking options.
Algeria, meanwhile, are in a period of rebuilding under the guidance of Vladimir Petkovic. After missing out on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the Algerians return to the tournament relying on the experience of Riyad Mahrez and the development of a new generation, with names such as Mohamed Amoura, Amine Gouiri, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Ibrahim Maza.
The Africans arrive with strong recent numbers and a dominant qualifying campaign, but will face the toughest possible test in their opening match in Group J, which also features Austria and Jordan.
Check out our direct analysis of this clash and follow our detailed predictions.
Argentina v Algeria, Wednesday, 02:00 BST
Argentina v Algeria tips
Argentina to win – 9/25 with Bet365
Argentina over 1.5 goals – 57/100 with Bet365
Lionel Messi goal or assist – 11/25 with Bet365
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Champions’ favouritism
Argentina enter the World Cup once again among the main favourites for the title and have a squad used to the big stage. Even with Messi at a different stage of his career, Scaloni’s side have already shown they are not solely reliant on their number 10 to control matches.
The midfield, featuring players such as Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul, remains the engine of the team, providing balance so that players like Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez can get into dangerous positions near the box.
On the other side, Algeria have technical quality and dangerous players on the break, especially with Mahrez and Amoura, but are likely to spend much of the match trying to contain Argentina’s possession and limit the spaces.
Tip: Argentina to win @ 9/25 (bet365)
Bet explanation: This bet wins if Argentina win the match, regardless of the final score.
Albiceleste attack
Beyond the simple result, Argentina’s attacking sector stands out as a good alternative for this match. Scaloni’s side have shown defensive solidity throughout the last cycle, but have also gained new attacking options.
The presence of Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez increases the competition for places up front, while Messi remains one of the main threats from set pieces, assists and creativity.
Algeria arrive with a more competitive team than in recent seasons, but there is still a gap in quality compared to the Argentine squad, especially in terms of depth and international experience.
Tip: Argentina over 1.5 goals @ 57/100 (bet365)
Bet explanation: This bet wins if Argentina score two or more goals during the match.
Last dance?
The 2026 World Cup could mark Lionel Messi’s farewell to the tournament that changed his story forever in 2022. Even without the same physical sharpness as in previous years, the number 10 remains decisive thanks to his ability to change games in just a few moments.
With Argentina expected to dominate possession and create more chances, Messi should once again be at the heart of the main attacking moves, whether finishing himself or setting up team-mates to score.
The Algerian defence will face a huge challenge in trying to contain not only the Argentine star, but also the spaces created by the movement of Scaloni’s entire attack.
Prediction: Lionel Messi goal or assist @ 11/25 (bet365)
Bet explanation: This bet wins if Lionel Messi scores at least one goal or provides an assist during the match.
Argentina v Algeria odds
Argentina to win – 9/25 with Bet365
Draw – 15/4 with Bet365
Algeria to win – 8/1 with Bet365
Odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.
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