TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Lionel Messi will lead defending champions Argentina against Algeria in their opening match of Group D of the 2026 World Cup at Kansas City Stadium, United States, on Wednesday morning WIB (Western Indonesian Time).
Coach Lionel Scaloni fielded his best lineup for the tournament's opening match, relying on several players who were the backbone of Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph.
For FIFA, Messi will be the driving force behind the Albiceleste's attack, alongside Thiago Almada and Lautaro Martinez. The trio is expected to break down Algeria's defense and lead Argentina to a winning start in their title defense.
In midfield, Scaloni fielded Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez. The trio is projected to link the play and maintain balance between attack and defense.
Meanwhile, Emiliano Martinez will be the goalkeeper, who will be protected by Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Facundo Medina.
Argentina enters the 2026 World Cup as defending champions after defeating France in the 2022 final in Qatar.
The South American team also comes with high confidence after defending their Copa America title in 2024 and being one of the most consistent teams throughout the qualifying rounds.
A victory over Algeria will be a crucial step for Argentina in securing a place in the knockout stages and maintaining their chances of finishing the tournament with a fourth World Cup title.
On the other side, Algeria approaches the tournament with high optimism after returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
That year, Les Fennecs stole the show by advancing to the round of 16 and putting up a tough fight against eventual champion Germany.
Coach Vladimir Petkovic fielded Louc Zinedine in goal. Captain Aissa Mandi will lead a back line that also includes Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rafik Belghali, and Ramy Bensebaini.
In midfield, Algeria relies on Fares Chaibi, Hicham Boudaoui, Nabil Bentaleb, and Ibrahim Maza.
The front line will be entrusted to Amine Gouiri and Anis Hadj Moussa.
Besides chasing a positive result, Algeria is also trying to prove its ability to compete with one of the strong title contenders in the opening match of Group D.
Here are the starting lineups for both teams:
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez (goalkeeper), Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Facundo Medina, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Lionel Messi (captain), Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martinez.
Coach: Lionel Scaloni
Algeria: Louc Zinedine (goalkeeper), Aissa Mandi (captain), Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rafik Belghali, Ramy Bensebaini, Fares Chaibi, Hicham Boudaoui, Nabil Bentaleb, Ibrahim Maza, Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa.
Coach: Vladimir Petkovic
Read: World Cup Prediction: Argentina Face Tough Test Against Algeria
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