| Moneyline Pick | Argentina (-233) |
| Player Prop | Lionel Messi to score anytime (-109) |
| Same Game Parlay | Both teams not to score + Under 3.5 goals + Argentina to have more corners (+150) |
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Argentina vs Algeria Main Match Info
- Date and Time: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 9 PM EDT
- Venue: Kansas City Stadium
- Location: Kansas City, MO, United States
- Last H2H match: Algeria 3-4 Argentina (June 5, 2007, International Friendly)
Argentina vs Algeria Moneyline Prediction
- Moneyline Pick: Argentina
- Odds: -233 (Tonybet)
Argentina begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey against an African team with the fresh memory of their opening-match loss to Saudi Arabia in Qatar 2022 still lingering. However, Lionel Scaloni’s men arrive as reigning champions and one of the favourites to defend their title on North American soil.
Led by Lionel Messi, who will become the first-ever player to feature in six World Cups if he starts this game, Argentina breezed through the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers (W12, D2, L4). They also won each of their seven pre-World Cup friendlies and kept six clean sheets over that span. Form-wise, few teams are in better shape than La Albiceleste.
Algeria are clear underdogs heading into this fixture, with their primary target being positive results against Austria and Jordan to make it past the group stage. The Fennecs had a relatively easy 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in Africa, winning eight of their 10 matches (W8, D1, L1) while averaging 2.4 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per game. They also went unbeaten in their four friendlies before the World Cup (W3, D1).
Algeria can pose a strong challenge, as evidenced by their 1-0 win over the Netherlands earlier this month, and they’ll make things difficult for Argentina if they play with a deep defensive line. However, La Albiceleste are simply too talented and too motivated to drop this game. It may be a tight contest, but they should be able to come out on top.
Argentina vs Algeria Player Prop
- Prop Bet: Lionel Messi to score anytime
- Odds: -109 (Tonybet)
There’s little doubt Argentina will rely on Messi to carry them to victory in this World Cup opener. Even though the star forward now plays in MLS for Inter Miami, he remains the engine that keeps the team moving, especially on the biggest stage. He has registered 21 goal contributions in 26 World Cup matches in his career (G13, A8), making him a strong bet to score for La Albiceleste in this matchup.
Argentina vs Algeria Same Game Parlay
- SGP: Both teams not to score + Under 3.5 goals + Argentina to have more corners
- Odds: +150 (Tonybet)
Argentina have tightened things up defensively and could secure a clean sheet against a team that doesn’t have many players in Europe’s top clubs. Having kept a clean sheet in 11 of their last 15 matches, they should be able to keep Algeria’s attacking line off the scoresheet in this one.
Scaloni’s men are massive favourites, which should also translate into a higher corner count – something they’ve achieved in five of their seven friendlies. However, a blowout win may not be on the cards due to opening-game nerves and Algeria’s expected defensive-minded approach.
Nine of Argentina’s last 11 encounters have seen under 3.5 total goals. Eight of Algeria’s previous 10 games have also hit the under.
Argentina vs Algeria Team News
Argentina Team News
Argentina dealt with several injury concerns in the weeks leading up to the tournament, but the medical staff has recovered most of the players who were dealing with knocks. Emiliano Martinez (finger), Leandro Paredes (strain), and Julian Alvarez (ankle) will all be available for this World Cup opener.
The lone injury concern is Nicolas Tagliafico, who is dealing with a muscular issue, leaving a gap in their defence since he was set to start at left-back. Nicolas Gonzalez, Valentin Barco, Marcos Senesi, and Lisandro Martinez are all competing to replace him.
Algeria Team News
Algeria will be without one of their best players, as Borussia Dortmund’s Ramy Bensebaini is set to miss the World Cup opener due to a foot injury.
His absence leaves a significant defensive gap, with the largely inexperienced Jaouen Hadjam taking his place in the XI. The rest of the squad are available and in good condition, meaning the Fennecs should still be able to field a strong overall side despite the setback.
Argentina vs Algeria: Where to Watch (Canada)
- Watch on TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, RDS
- Stream on TSN+, RDS App
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