Algeria have been a very tough team to beat, losing just one of their last 17 matches in all competitions (in regular time) while keeping a high number of clean sheets during this stretch. I expect them to park the bus against the reigning champions and turn this into a low-scoring affair.
Key Stats
- Argentina have kept a clean sheet in 6 of their last 7 matches.
- Algeria have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 matches.
Just One Meeting So Far
This is going to be the second time these two sides lock horns. The first one was won by Argentina 4-3 (a friendly match) in June 2007.
Argentina are the Reigning World Champions
Argentina had an impressive run in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, topping the South American table with 38 points from 18 matches (12 wins, two draws, four defeats) and 31-10 goal difference.
They started 2026 with a 2-1 victory against Mauritania in a friendly match, Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Paz finding the net in the first half, followed by another win over Zambia 5-0 a couple of days later (allowed just one shot on target).
Earlier this month, the reigning world champions delivered two great performances in their final tests ahead of the World Cup 2026. First, Argentina outplayed Honduras 2-0 where they had 2.28-0.15 xG and 8-0 shots on target, while beating Iceland 3-0 earlier this week, allowing just one shot on target.
Fennec Foxes Hoping for an Upset
Algeria were one of the most dominant sides in the African World Cup 2026 qualifiers, topping Group G with 25 out of possible 30 points, punching their ticket early on.
Vladimir Petkovic’s side also impressed in the AFCON 2025 group stage with three wins over Sudan 3-0, Burkina Faso 1-0 and Equatorial Guinea 3-1, then eliminated DR Congo 1-0 in the Round of 16 before losing to Nigeria 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
The Fennec Foxes did great in their June friendlies too, earning a 1-0 upset victory against the Netherlands in Rotterdam (Anis Hadj Moussa on target), then crushing Bolivia 4-0 in the final test.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Argentina (4-3-3) Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo de Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada; Enzo Fernandez, Lautaro Martinez, Lionel MessiLeonardo Balerdi suffered an injury two weeks ago and had to leave the Argentinean camp. Marcos Senesi was called up as his replacement. Nicolas Tagliafico suffered a minor calf injury earlier this week but is expected to be in the starting lineup.
Leo Messi is expected to make his 200th appearance for Argentina here, scoring 117 goals.
Algeria (4-3-3) Luca Zidane; Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Nabil Bentaleb, Rayan Ait Nouri; Ramiz Zerrouki, Houssem Aouar, Ismael Bennacer; Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri, Mohamed Amoura
Nabil Bentaleb was recalled to the national team after Vladimir Petkovic was appointed new coach. Riyad Mahrez is the captain with 116 appearances and 38 goals for Algeria.
Ismael Bennacer was not called up after not-so-great appearances at AFCON 2025.
Nabil Bentaleb was recalled to the national team after Vladimir Petkovic was appointed new coach. Riyad Mahrez is the captain with 116 appearances and 38 goals for Algeria.
Ismael Bennacer was not called up after not-so-great appearances at AFCON 2025.