Argentina Face Algeria in World Cup Showdown: Bold Predictions, Key Previews, and Expected Lineups Revealed

Argentina kicks off its World Cup title defense against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

When La Albiceleste claimed the trophy in 2022, their journey started with a shock opening loss to Saudi Arabia. While Argentina bounced back to claim the championship, they will be eager to avoid a similar stumble this time out.

With Lionel Messi back for what is anticipated to be his sixth and last World Cup, and following a solid qualifying run alongside impressive recent friendly results, Argentina is unlikely to be caught off guard once more.

Argentina vs. Algeria Score Prediction

Argentina Too Much for the Fennecs

Argentina should simply possess far too much quality for Algeria to handle.

Lionel Scaloni's squad boasts one of the most lethal combinations of midfield creativity and attacking firepower in global football. From the sharp finishing of Lautaro Martínez and the craft and technical brilliance of Julián Álvarez to the rise of Nico Paz, the goal threat of Enzo Fernández—who netted 15 times for Chelsea last season—and the direct running of Giuliano Simeone, Argentina carries danger in every area of the pitch.

And then, naturally, there is the not-so-small matter of Messi.

Universally considered the greatest footballer of all time, Messi continues to defy the years. He bagged 43 goals last season as Inter Miami claimed their first-ever MLS Cup, and has remained the central force driving Argentina's achievements, pulling the strings throughout qualifying and in the team's recent warm-up fixtures.

Algeria, though, is unlikely to simply surrender. The Fennecs carry enough attacking quality to trouble even the most formidable defenses. Amine Gouiri arrives in red-hot form, Ibrahim Maza offers creativity in the half-spaces, Anis Hadj Moussa brings unpredictability on the flanks, and veteran skipper Riyad Mahrez can still conjure moments of brilliance.

Argentina should ultimately prove too strong for Algeria over the full 90 minutes, but don't rule out the African side getting on the scoresheet.

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Algeria

Argentina Predicted Lineup vs. Algeria

Messi played just 20 minutes in Argentina's final pre-tournament friendly against Iceland, netting from the penalty spot, but it has since been confirmed he is fully fit and ready for the World Cup opener.

He is set to start on the right side of the attack, though, as is typically the case, he will be afforded the freedom to drift across the final third, moving inside and locating pockets of space to shape the game.

Joining him in the forward line will likely be Martínez and Thiago Almada, though highly touted youngster Paz may need to settle for a spot on the bench as Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister—both nailed-on starters in Scaloni's midfield—link up with Messi's Miami clubmate, Rodrigo de Paul.

At the back, Argentina has been given a lift with Cristian Romero returning to full fitness following a period out injured. He is expected to partner Nicolás Otamendi in central defense, with Emiliano Martínez once again taking his place between the sticks.

Argentina predicted lineup vs. Algeria (4-3-3): E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, De Paul, Fernández; Messi, L. Martínez, Almada.

Algeria Predicted Lineup vs. Argentina

Examining Algeria's expected starting eleven against Argentina, it becomes clear where the side's greatest strengths are concentrated: in the attacking third.

Captain Riyad Mahrez remains the standout name, with his magical left foot still capable of unlocking any backline. Yet he is far from Algeria's sole danger. Ibrahim Maza looks set for a breakout tournament, while Marseille striker Amine Gouiri—who can play both through the middle and out wide—has been in superb form, netting four goals in his last four international outings.

Between the posts, Luca Zidane, son of French icon Zinedine Zidane, is expected to start, protected by a back four of Rayan Aït-Nouri, Ramy Bensebaini, experienced center back Aïssa Mandi, and Rafik Belghali.

In the engine room, Nabil Bentaleb and Hicham Boudaoui are likely to form the midfield base, providing defensive cover while helping to control the ball from deeper positions.

Algeria predicted lineup vs. Argentina (4-2-3-1): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Aït-Nouri; Boudaoui, Bentaleb; Mahrez, Maza, Chaïbi; Gouiri.

Pick Your World Cup Starting XIs!

What Time Does Argentina vs. Algeria Kick Off?

How to Watch Argentina vs. Algeria on TV, Live Stream

SI answers is our AI answer engine trained on human-created content.

READ THE LATEST WORLD CUP NEWS, PREVIEWS & ANALYSIS HERE

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider. Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.