Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with defending champions Argentina facing Algeria in a highly anticipated opener. Lionel Messi, at 38 years old, makes his sixth World Cup appearance, tying Cristiano Ronaldo's all-time record. The 2022 Qatar MVP captains his side as they begin their quest for an unprecedented back-to-back World Cup triumph on North American soil.
- Argentina fields eight starters from their 2022 winning squad: Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, De Paul, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, and Montiel. New faces include 25-year-old Thiago Almada (MLS Rookie of the Year) and 27-year-old Facundo Medina (RC Lens), representing a blend of experience and fresh talent in pursuit of consecutive titles.
- The tactical matchup features Argentina's 4-4-2 against Algeria's 4-3-3, with Argentina's four-man midfield (Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister, De Paul, Almada) enjoying numerical superiority over Algeria's three central midfielders (Bentaleb, Boudaoui, Maza). Enzo (24) and Mac Allister (27), both 2022 final starters, form the midfield core and their battle with Bentaleb (31, 2014 World Cup veteran) will be crucial.
- Algeria opts to start 20-year-old sensation Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen) while keeping 35-year-old captain Riyad Mahrez on the bench. Born in Berlin to an Algerian father and Vietnamese mother, Maza moved from Hertha to Leverkusen in 2025-26. His dribbling and long-range shooting abilities make him a potential game-changer from midfield.
- Algeria's defensive line features experienced duo Bensébaïni (31, Borussia Dortmund) and Mandi (34, Lille), alongside 25-year-old Aït-Nouri (Manchester City) at left-back. Having joined City in summer 2025, Aït-Nouri's pace and attacking runs down the left will test Argentina's right-back Montiel (29) in a key individual battle.
- The goalkeeper duel pits Argentina's Emiliano Martínez (26) against Luka Zidane (28), son of Zinedine Zidane. Raised through Real Madrid's academy and currently with Granada in Spain's second tier, Luka chose Algeria through his grandparents' heritage. With six caps for Algeria, he brings excellent footwork and composure between the posts.
- Up front, Argentina deploys the partnership of Lautaro Martínez (28, 2024 Copa América final goalscorer) and Messi. Algeria counters with a front three of Amine Gouiri (26, Marseille, 21 caps/8 goals) through the middle, flanked by Fares Chaibi (23, Frankfurt) and Anis Hadj-Moussa (24, Feyenoord). Gouiri, developed at Lyon before spells at Nice and Rennes, has honed his finishing abilities across Ligue 1.
- Algeria brings experience from their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations triumph with Mahrez, Bensébaïni, and Mandi still in the squad. However, a youth movement is evident with Maza (20), Chaibi (23), and Hadj-Moussa (24) leading the charge. Hadj-Moussa, a left-footed right winger who cuts inside, is a one-on-one specialist whose duel with Lisandro Martínez (28) promises to be an intriguing individual matchup.