Algeria XI vs Argentina – Predicted lineup and team news | OneFootball

Algeria face defending champions Argentina in a daunting World Cup opener in Kansas City on Wednesday.

The Fennec Foxes return to the global stage after a lengthy 12-year absence. They hope to replicate their highly impressive run to the 2014 knockout rounds. Vladimir Petkovic has built a confident and defensively disciplined squad over recent months.

Algeria cruised through their CAF qualifying campaign with minimal trouble and immense attacking flair. They scored prolifically during qualification while maintaining excellent defensive solidity at the back. They hope to cause a major upset against the overwhelming tournament favourites on Wednesday. A positive result would put them in an excellent position within Group J.

Algeria team news

Petkovic must manage without left-sided defender Ramy Bensebaini due to a frustrating injury. The defender continues to struggle with a lingering ankle problem ahead of kickoff. Samir Chergui expects to take his place in the starting eleven against Argentina.

Aissa Mandi will partner him in the heart of the resolute Algerian defence. Luca Zidane recently committed to Algeria and will start between the posts. Rayan Ait-Nouri and Youcef Belghali will operate as the starting full-backs.

Riyad Mahrez will captain the team and provide vital creative experience out wide. Amine Gouiri joins the attack after overcoming a shoulder issue to lead the line. Mohammed Amoura will support him following an outstanding and prolific qualifying campaign. Amoura scored 10 goals in 10 matches during the African qualification to secure their ticket.

Young trickster Ibrahim Maza offers exciting creative potential in the final attacking third. Nabil Bentaleb and Hicham Boudaoui will anchor the midfield against relentless Argentine pressure.

They will look to disrupt the Argentine passing rhythm and launch rapid counter-attacks. Algeria will play a possession-heavy style designed to frustrate their elite South American opponents.

Algeria predicted lineup

Algeria predicted XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Chergui, Ait-Nouri; Bentaleb, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Maza, Amoura; Gouiri.

When will the match kick off?

The FIFA World Cup match kicks off at 02:00 BST on Wednesday, 17 June 2026.

How to watch Argentina vs Algeria?

In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1. Viewers in the United States can watch live on Fox Sports.

Read more – Iconic Performances: Ronaldo treble stuns Spain at World Cup

See Also- Algeria: 2026 World Cup Squad, Fixtures and Schedule

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