Argentina vs Algeria World Cup Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Algeria can test world champions
Argentina launch their World Cup title defense with a challenging opener against Algeria, a side unbeaten in 24 of their last 25 matches. Despite Argentina’s experience and Messi’s historic 200th cap, Algeria’s defensive solidity and recent form suggest a tightly contested match. The prediction favors Algeria to cover a +2 handicap and for the match to have under 2.5 total goals. Fans can watch the action live via authorized streaming platforms. Expect a tactical battle, with Algeria poised to frustrate the reigning champions.
- Argentina vs Algeria predictions for Tuesday's World Cup Group J game
- Algeria equipped with strong defence & in great form - they can spring a surprise here
- Under 2.5 goals backed, big value on a 0-0 stalemate
- The game is scheduled for kick off at 11.00am AEST on Wednesday June 17
Argentina v Algeria Live StreamWatch live online at bet365 > Soccer > World Cup 2026. T&Cs apply.
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Argentina vs Algeria World Cup Tips, Prediction & Live Stream
Argentina get their World Cup title defence underway with a difficult opening assignment against a gritty Algeria side in Group J action at Arrowhead Stadium on Tuesday.
Looking to become just the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups and the first since Brazil in 1958-62, I think Argentina have a tough test on their hands in this Group J showdown.
Algeria are unbeaten in 24 of their last 25 games inside 90 minutes, beat Netherlands in a warm-up friendly and are incredibly tough to break down defensively, keeping a clean sheet in their last four games. This is obviously a big step up in class and there might be some nerves in their first World Cup appearance since 2014, but the Algerians look good to keep this game close.
Remember, Argentina were stunned by Saudi Arabia in their group opener in 2022 before regrouping and ultimately winning the tournament. This is an aging squad, led by 38-year-old legend and captain Lionel Messi, while a central defensive pairing of Christian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi isn't exactly fearsome in 2026.
I'm backing Algeria to cover a +2 handicap and Under 2.5 total goals for the match. If you're looking for more value, I also like Argentina Under 1.5 team goals, while a 0-0 stalemate at $11 appeals.
Argentina vs Algeria Stats & Trends
- Algeria are unbeaten in 24 of their last 25 games inside 90 minutes
- Algeria have kept a clean sheet in their last four games (nine in last 13 overall)
- Algeria have seen Under 2.5 goals in four of their last five games
- Argentina haven't played a team ranked in the top 60 all year
- Algeria drew 0-0 with another South American nation (Uruguay) earlier this year
Argentina vs Algeria Head To Head
These two teams have only played once before, with Argentina coming away with a 4-3 victory in a friendly in 2007, with Messi scoring the first international brace of his career.
Argentina Form Analysis
Argentina have qualified for their 14th consecutive World Cup, which is the third-longest streak in history.
The defending champions qualified comfortably, but did suffer defeats to the likes of Uruguay, Colombia, Paraguay and Ecuador.
There's a concern Argentina arrive underdone at this World Cup - they've only played weaker nations in the lead-up, winning 2026 friendlies against Mauritania, Zambia, Honduras and Iceland.
Argentina Team News
Messi is set for his 200th cap for Argentina, becoming the first player to appear in six World Cups.
Argentina Squad
Emi Martinez is back in goals after his heroics in 2022, recovering from a broken finger.
Argentina Squad
| Pos. | Player | Age | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Juan Musso | 32 | 4 | 0 | Atlético Madrid |
| GK | Gerónimo Rulli | 34 | 8 | 0 | Marseille |
| GK | Emiliano Martínez | 33 | 59 | 0 | Aston Villa |
| DF | Marcos Senesi | 29 | 3 | 0 | Bournemouth |
| DF | Nicolás Tagliafico | 33 | 76 | 1 | Lyon |
| DF | Valentín Barco | 21 | 4 | 2 | Strasbourg |
| DF | Gonzalo Montiel | 29 | 39 | 2 | River Plate |
| DF | Lisandro Martínez | 28 | 28 | 1 | Manchester United |
| DF | Cristian Romero | 28 | 51 | 3 | Tottenham Hotspur |
| DF | Nicolás Otamendi | 38 | 132 | 8 | Benfica |
| DF | Facundo Medina | 27 | 9 | 0 | Marseille |
| DF | Nahuel Molina | 28 | 58 | 1 | Atlético Madrid |
| MF | Leandro Paredes | 31 | 77 | 5 | Boca Juniors |
| MF | Rodrigo De Paul | 32 | 87 | 2 | Inter Miami |
| MF | Giovani Lo Celso | 30 | 67 | 4 | Real Betis |
| MF | Exequiel Palacios | 27 | 40 | 0 | Bayer Leverkusen |
| MF | Thiago Almada | 25 | 16 | 5 | Atlético Madrid |
| MF | Nico Paz | 21 | 9 | 1 | Como |
| MF | Alexis Mac Allister | 27 | 46 | 6 | Liverpool |
| MF | Enzo Fernández | 25 | 42 | 6 | Chelsea |
| FW | Julián Alvarez | 26 | 51 | 14 | Atlético Madrid |
| FW | Lionel Messi (c) | 38 | 199 | 117 | Inter Miami |
| FW | Nicolás González | 28 | 51 | 6 | Atlético Madrid |
| FW | Giuliano Simeone | 23 | 13 | 2 | Atlético Madrid |
| FW | José Manuel López | 25 | 5 | 0 | Palmeiras |
| FW | Lautaro Martínez | 28 | 77 | 37 | Internazional |
Algeria Form Analysis
Algeria are back in the World Cup for the first time since 2014, where they made a nice run to the Round of 16.
The Desert Warriors topped their group in African qualifying and come into this clash having won 14 of their last 19 games in all competitions - but a quarter-final exit at the Africa Cup of Nations to Nigeria was disappointing.
One of the more impressive teams in the build-up to the World Cup, Vladimir Petkovic's side have beaten the Netherlands, drawn with Uruguay and thumped Bolivia 4-0 and Guatemala 7-0.
Algeria Team News
Ramy Bensebaini is doubtful with an ankle injury, with Samir Chergui and Zineddine Belaid a chance to come in at left back.
Wolfsburg striker Mohamed Amoura scored 10 goals in qualifying and will be a threat in attack, along with veteran Riyad Mahrez.
Wolfsburg striker Mohamed Amoura scored 10 goals in qualifying and will be a threat in attack, along with veteran Riyad Mahrez.
Algeria Squad
| Pos. | Player | Age | Caps | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Melvin Mastil | 26 | 2 | 0 | Stade Nyonnais |
| GK | Oussama Benbot | 31 | 3 | 0 | USM Alger |
| GK | Luca Zidane | 28 | 7 | 0 | Granada |
| DF | Aïssa Mandi (vc) | 34 | 119 | 8 | Lille |
| DF | Achref Abada | 27 | 8 | 1 | USM Alger |
| DF | Mohamed Amine Tougai | 26 | 30 | 2 | Espérance de Tunis |
| DF | Zineddine Belaïd | 27 | 12 | 1 | JS Kabylie |
| DF | Jaouen Hadjam | 23 | 18 | 3 | Young Boys |
| DF | Rayan Aït-Nouri | 25 | 30 | 0 | Manchester City |
| DF | Rafik Belghali | 24 | 13 | 1 | Hellas Verona |
| DF | Ramy Bensebaini | 31 | 82 | 9 | Borussia Dortmund |
| DF | Samir Chergui | 27 | 5 | 0 | Paris FC |
| MF | Ramiz Zerrouki | 28 | 53 | 3 | Twente |
| MF | Houssem Aouar | 27 | 22 | 6 | Al-Ittihad |
| MF | Farès Chaïbi | 23 | 31 | 3 | Eintracht Frankfurt |
| MF | Hicham Boudaoui | 26 | 34 | 0 | Nice |
| MF | Nabil Bentaleb | 31 | 61 | 6 | Lille |
| MF | Ibrahim Maza | 20 | 17 | 2 | Bayer Leverkusen |
| MF | Yacine Titraoui | 22 | 5 | 0 | Charleroi |
| FW | Riyad Mahrez (c) | 35 | 116 | 38 | Al-Ahli |
| FW | Amine Gouiri | 26 | 23 | 10 | Marseille |
| FW | Anis Hadj Moussa | 24 | 15 | 2 | Feyenoord |
| FW | Nadhir Benbouali | 26 | 4 | 1 | Győr |
| FW | Mohamed Amoura | 26 | 47 | 19 | VfL Wolfsburg |
| FW | Adil Boulbina | 23 | 10 | 4 | Al-Duhail |
| FW | Farès Ghedjemis | 23 | 1 | 1 | Frosinone |
Argentina vs Algeria Live Stream
Watch and bet on Argentina vs Algeria live football from the World Cup.
You can watch and bet on the match live at bet365 > Soccer > World Cup 2026 with the action available to stream on desktop and mobile.
Geo-restrictions apply, you'll need a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours to gain access.
To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Note, under Australian law, Live Streaming on bet365 is exempt from Parts 3 and 4 of the Broadcasting Services (Online Content Service Provider Rules) 2018.
Verdict
Algeria are in great form and can frustrate the reigning champions in this opener.
Algeria +2
Handicap
$1.70 - 3 Units
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