Reigning world champions Argentina will begin their quest to retain the FIFA World Cup crown when they take on Algeria in their opening Group J match in Kansas City on Tuesday.
Match Preview
Lionel Scaloni’s side arrive in North America as one of the favourites to lift the trophy after an impressive qualifying campaign that saw them finish top of the CONMEBOL standings. Argentina have also built momentum with seven consecutive victories in friendly matches, scoring 21 goals and conceding just once.
Much of the spotlight will once again fall on captain Lionel Messi, who is set to make his 200th international appearance and become the first player in history to feature in six different FIFA World Cups. The Inter Miami star remains the heartbeat of an experienced Argentine side that also boasts the likes of Emiliano Martínez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez.
Argentina’s record against African opposition at the World Cup is encouraging, having won all six such encounters since their shock defeat to Cameroon in 1990. However, memories of their surprise loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening game of the 2022 tournament serve as a reminder that no opponent can be underestimated.
Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and will be aiming to reach the knockout stages for only the second time in their history. The Fennec Foxes qualified impressively from the African qualifiers and head into the tournament in strong form, having recorded victories over the Netherlands and Bolivia in recent weeks.
Led by captain Riyad Mahrez, Algeria possess plenty of attacking quality through Amine Gouiri and Mohammed Amoura, who was one of Africa’s most prolific scorers during qualification. Vladimir Petkovic’s side have also shown defensive improvement, conceding only twice in their last six matches.
Team News
Argentina have been boosted by the return of Messi from a hamstring issue, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has recovered from a finger injury. Nicolás Tagliafico is the major absentee after suffering a calf injury.
Algeria will be without experienced defender Ramy Bensebaini due to an ankle problem, but Gouiri is fit and expected to lead the attack alongside Amoura and Mahrez.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina: Martínez; Molina, Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Medina; De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martínez.
Algeria: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Chergui, Aït-Nouri; Bentaleb, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Maza, Amoura; Gouiri.
Prediction
Algeria have enough quality to make life difficult for the defending champions, but Argentina’s experience, defensive solidity and attacking firepower should prove decisive in a tightly contested encounter.
Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Algeria.
