The dream begins! Argentina v Algeria: time, TV, line-ups | OneFootball

The Argentina National Team begins its 2026 World Cup journey this Tuesday against Algeria in the opening matchday of Group J. Led by Lionel Messi and coached by Lionel Scaloni, the team starts its title defense in pursuit of back-to-back championships.

How Argentina arrives

La Albiceleste makes its debut after a complicated preparation due to medical issues. Leonardo Balerdi was ruled out and replaced by Marcos Senesi. Although several players trained separately and missed the previous friendlies, Scaloni has now recovered almost the entire squad. The only confirmed absence is Nicolás Tagliafico, ruled out with a left soleus injury.

How Algeria arrives

The “Desert Foxes” return to a World Cup after missing out in 2018 and 2022. Coach Vladimir Petkovic comes in with positive feelings after friendly wins over the Netherlands (1-0) and Bolivia (4-0), relying on the speed and class of his star player, Riyad Mahrez. However, they suffered a key last-minute setback: defender Ramy Bensebaini will miss the opener with an ankle injury.

Probable lineups

Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina or Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez or Nicolás Otamendi, Facundo Medina or Lisandro Martínez; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez. Coach: Lionel Scaloni.

Matchday 2: vs. Austria | Monday, June 22, 2:00 PM | Dallas Stadium (Texas). Matchday 3: vs. Jordan | Saturday, June 27, 11:00 PM | Dallas Stadium (Texas).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.