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Argentina are set to face Algeria in the opening match of Group J at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The clash will be held at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, USA, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 08:00 WIB.

The Group J opener features the reigning champions Argentina kicking off their title defence against Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday.

Under the leadership of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina arrive in North America as one of the tournament favourites, having completed an impressive qualification campaign and maintaining a long unbeaten streak ahead of the tournament.

Argentina topped the CONMEBOL standings, highlighted by a commanding 4–1 victory over Brazil.

Since then, they have won seven consecutive matches and conceded only once.

Meanwhile, Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 after a strong qualification run.

The team led by Vladimir Petkovic finished first in their CAF qualification group and have shown promising form in recent months, recording wins against the Netherlands and Bolivia while conceding just two goals in their last six matches.

The Fennec Foxes boast attacking talent through Riyad Mahrez, Mohammed Amoura, and Amine Gouiri.

Predicted Line-Up: Argentina vs Algeria

Argentina starting XI:

Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martinez

Algeria starting XI:

Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Chergui, Ait-Nouri; Bentaleb, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Maza, Amoura; Gouiri

Head-to-Head: Argentina vs Algeria

Total matches: 1 (2007, friendly)

Argentina wins: 1

Algeria wins: 0

Draws: 0

Aggregate score: Argentina 4 goals – Algeria 3 goals

Sanggau Parliament Chief Predicts Argentina to Win the World Cup Again

The Chairman of the Sanggau Regional House of Representatives, Hendrikus Hengki, predicts that Argentina will once again capture the 2026 World Cup title.

According to him, Argentina still possess the skill and strong tactical vision necessary to succeed.

“I have two favourite teams — first Argentina, second Italy. But since Italy did not qualify, I am backing Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup,” he said on Friday, June 5, 2026.

The Secretary of the Sanggau branch of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) added that since the tournament is being held in the Americas, Argentina may benefit from the similar climate between North and South America.

“Although that is not a decisive factor, Argentina clearly have an extraordinary core squad. With Lionel Messi still serving as the backbone of the team, even if his physical fitness has declined, his tactical awareness, vision, spirit, mentality, and ability to organize the team remain crucial. Messi is truly the field general for Argentina,” he explained.

He also pointed out that Lautaro Martinez has been in superb form and remains a lethal striker, with experience playing in Europe. Hengki further noted that Argentina still hold the top FIFA ranking in the world.

“This reflects Argentina’s consistency in both competitive and friendly matches, as their accumulated points have kept them at the top of the FIFA rankings in 2026,” he concluded.

2026 World Cup Results

Live Scores – 2026 World Cup

Match Results – 2026 World Cup

Standings – 2026 World Cup