Argentina are preparing for their debut in the 2026 World Cup against Algeria today, July 16, with Lionel Messi as captain in the starting lineup. The game for the first Matchday of Group J between Argentina and Algeria will take place at Kansas City Stadium, with La Albiceleste starting their title defense.
Lionel Scaloni counts on the stellar presence of Messi as Argentina only think about winning, since a tie or loss could complicate them in the group stage.
Messi arrives in this year’s tournament boasting 13 goals in 23 World Cup games. Only in the 2010 South Africa edition he went scoreless. In the 2022 World Cup, he delivered with 7 goals to help Argentina win the title.
Argentina’s confirmed lineup
The main news is that Emiliano Martinez will be the starting goalkeeper. He arrived in the United States with a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand, which prevented him from participating in warm-up friendlies. However, Dibu progressed and will be the starter. Follow Argentina vs Algeria live with us!
Lionel Messi of Argentina
Argentina confirmed lineup: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo de Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez.
Algeria’s confirmed starting XI
The Arabic squad will have its possible starting lineup under the technical direction of Vladimir Petkovic. The Bosnian-born coach usually plays with a 4-3-3 formation. The starting goalkeeper is Luca Zidane, son of the French star Zinedine Zidane, who represents Algeria despite being born in France. The goalie is one of many French players participating at the World Cup for a different national team.
Algeria‘s confirmed lineup: Luca Zidane; Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rafik Belghali, Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini; Ibrahim Maza, Hicham Boudaoui, Nabil Bentaleb, Fares Chaibi; Amine Gouiri, Anis Hadj Moussa.
