Argentina and Algeria meet in World Cup

Argentina and Algeria open Group J at the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City on Wednesday at 4:30am Tehran time.

The match brings together one of the tournament’s leading contenders and a Algeria side hoping to disrupt the group early, with Jordan and Austria also in the section.

Argentina arrive with their familiar technical structure intact. Lionel Messi remains their central figure, both mentally and on the pitch, while Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez offer options in attack.

Rodrigo De Paul is expected to provide balance in midfield, linking defence and attack. Argentina’s approach is built around possession and through the middle, a style that can put pressure on any back line.

Algeria, meanwhile, will look to use their motivation and set the tone with an opening result that could shake up the group standings.