The Argentina national team, the reigning world champions, will begin their title defence on 17 June with a match against Algeria in Kansas City. This could mark the start of a historic chapter in world football.
The Argentina national football team
Argentina is aiming to become the third country to successfully defend the World Cup title, a feat previously achieved only by Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962).
Lionel Scaloni’s side, having finished top of the CONMEBOL qualifying group, have qualified for the World Cup finals for the 14th consecutive time. This is the third-longest such run among all nations.
Argentina have won all six of their most recent World Cup matches against African teams.
In their last nine matches, the Argentinians have usually been leading at half-time.
Lionel Messi is already the record holder for the number of World Cup matches played (26; 13 goals, 8 assists) and will play his 200th match for the Argentina national team – he will become the first player in history to have played in six different World Cups.
Argentina’s 2022 hero Emiliano Martínez is ready to play, whilst Nicolás Tagliafico’s participation remains in doubt.
Algeria national football team
The side managed by Bosnian coach Vladimir Petković is in excellent form. The team has secured 14 wins in its last 19 matches (3 draws, 2 defeats), ensuring they have finished top of their World Cup qualifying group for the second time in a row.
Algeria have kept a clean sheet in only one of their 13 World Cup matches, including extra time.
In none of Algeria’s last six matches have both teams scored.
Mohamed Amoura, with ten goals, was the top scorer in the CAF World Cup qualifying tournament – and has won all 13 international matches in which he has scored for his country.
The African side will be without Rami Bensebaini of Borussia Dortmund, who picked up an injury at the end of the Bundesliga season.
Argentina v Algeria prediction
The reigning champions will be keen to get off to a good start – so a sensible bet might be that Argentina will be leading at half-time. The champions have every chance of securing a positive result by the end of the match.
