World Champions Argentina begin title defence against Algeria
Reigning world champions Argentina kick off their Group J campaign in Kansas City as they look to defend their crown against an Algeria side returning to the finals for the first time since 2014.
Argentina arrive in North America as the fourth favourites to win the 2026 tournament following their 2022 triumph in Qatar. Lionel Scaloni’s side have maintained relentless momentum, winning their last five matches including a dominant 3-0 victory over Iceland and a 5-0 thrashing of Zambia. They currently sit in control of the early Group J standings as they look to secure a smooth path to the knockout stages.
Algeria are making their fifth appearance at a World Cup finals, having secured their qualification in style. However, Vladimir Petković’s side have shown mixed recent form, following up a massive 7-0 win over Guatemala and a 1-0 victory against the Netherlands with a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria. Currently second in the group, they are aiming to improve a record that has seen them win only one of their last 10 World Cup fixtures.
Goals scored and conceded.
Per-game averages at this tournament — updates as the games are played.
Both teams across every game at this tournament.
ArgentinaAlgeria
Every tournament game combined — Argentina 8 games, Algeria 4 games.
ArgentinaAlgeriaPast meetings.
No prior meetings on record.
Their recent form.
The road to the final.
Twelve groups into a 32-team knockout · 72 of 72 group games played · fills in as every result lands.
1 (3)
1 (4)
3
0
0
1
1 (2)
1 (3)
2
1
3
0
2
0
3
2
2
1
1
2
2
0
2
13
2
1 (2)
1 (4)
20
1
0010301141223320 (4)0 (3)20211231021210461 (3)1 (4)30011 (2)1 (3)2130203221122021321 (2)1 (4)2010010301141223320 (4)0 (3)2021123102121046