- Algeria have scored 10 goals in their last four away matches across all competitions
- Algeria have won their last two away games, while Argentina are undefeated in seven home fixtures
- Argentina have only conceded two goals in their last seven home matches across all competitions
Fixtures don't come tougher than this
Argentina are 21/50 favourites to beat outsiders Algeria at 83/10 in their opening Group J match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City on Wednesday. It is 12 years since Algeria last qualified for the finals and their return to the competition could not have come at a more intriguing time as this clash also marks the defending champions' first match.
The game will probably see Lionel Scaloni's patient possession-based style meet Vladimir Petković's pragmatic and counter-attacking setup head on. The Argentines are looking to build up in a controlled way and overload the half-spaces, while Algeria will sit compact and soak up pressure until they can release their wingers to counter.
Both managers are good tacticians and the game will be a chess match if Algeria can stay in it. Argentina have won their last five games in a row and beat Honduras 2-0 and Iceland 3-0 in back-to-back home friendlies ahead of the tournament, so there is no doubting their dominance in the region.
Drogba's Lions can roar at Kansas City Stadium
But Algeria are coming to the USA with good momentum too, having beaten Netherlands 1-0 away and Bolivia 4-0 away since Petković took charge earlier this year. He has immediately made his mark on a side that was not playing to its potential before and has them set up to score goals in the match.
Ismaël Bennacer provides some bite and vision in the middle of the park, the forwardline is more dynamic, while Riyad Mahrez offers plenty of creativity and danger from wide areas and set pieces. Amine Gouiri, the Greens' in-form striker, has scored four in their last five and leads the line for an attack that has hit 12 goals in the last five matches.
Alvarez can profit from Messi's service
Argentina have no shortage of individual quality either and their midfield is anchored by Enzo Fernández, whose ability to dictate the tempo and penetrate the lines with his passing is exceptional. But Lionel Messi is still the creative hub of their play and there is no more dangerous player on a breakaway than the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Julián Álvarez plays with a similar intensity to Messi, pressing furiously and finishing like a fox in the box when in on his teammate's service. He is a quality player and could get a goal against Algeria on Wednesday, but the value in this game lies with Argentina getting on the scoresheet too.
Both sides have played well recently with Algeria winning all four of their away matches and Argentina going unbeaten in seven games at home. The Argentines are superior, but Algeria can nick a goal on the break and the 'Both teams to score - No' market looks appealing at 31/50.
