The defence of Argentina’s FIFA World Cup crown begins in Kansas City as Lionel Scaloni’s side face Algeria in their Group Stage opener. Four years after lifting football’s most prestigious trophy in Qatar, La Albiceleste arrive with their sights set on joining an exclusive club of nations to successfully defend the World Cup title.

Argentina Chasing Back-to-Back World Cup Glory

Only Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) have successfully retained the FIFA World Cup, and Argentina now have the opportunity to write their own chapter in football history.

Scaloni’s men qualified comfortably after finishing top of the CONMEBOL qualifying standings, extending their remarkable streak to 14 consecutive World Cup appearances. Their recent form suggests they remain one of the strongest contenders in the tournament, having won 13 of their last 15 matches while suffering just a single defeat.

History is also on Argentina’s side. South American nations have dominated World Cups held in the Americas, winning seven of the previous eight editions staged on the continent. With a squad blending experienced stars and emerging talent, the reigning champions will be expected to make a strong start.

Algeria Return to the Global Stage

Algeria arrive in excellent form after winning 14 of their last 19 international matches and successfully topping their World Cup qualifying group for the second consecutive cycle.

The Desert Warriors are competing in their fifth World Cup finals and first since Brazil 2014, where they achieved their best-ever performance by reaching the Round of 16. While Algeria made an immediate impact on their World Cup debut in 1982, winning two of their first three matches, success at the tournament has been harder to find since then.

Just one victory from their last ten World Cup fixtures highlights the challenge awaiting Vladimir Petković’s side against the reigning world champions.

Head-to-Head

• The only previous meeting came in a friendly in June 2007.
• Argentina won that encounter 4-3.
• Lionel Messi scored the first two international goals of his career during that match.

Key Statistics

• Argentina have won each of their last six World Cup matches against African opposition.
• The eventual winner was ahead at half-time in each of Argentina’s last nine games.
• Algeria have kept only one clean sheet in 13 World Cup matches, including extra time.
• None of Algeria’s last six internationals saw both teams score.

Players to Watch

Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Already the record holder for most World Cup appearances with 26 matches, Messi is set to make history again by becoming the first player ever to feature in six different FIFA World Cups. The Argentine captain will also celebrate his 200th international appearance and enters the tournament with 13 World Cup goals and eight assists to his name.

Mohamed Amoura (Algeria)
The Algerian forward was the leading scorer in CAF World Cup qualifying with ten goals. Remarkably, Algeria have won all 13 international matches in which Amoura has found the net, underlining his importance to the team.

Team News

Argentina have received a major boost with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez declared fit and available. Defender Nicolás Tagliafico remains a doubt ahead of the opening match.

Algeria will be without experienced defender Ramy Bensebaini, a significant absence against one of the tournament’s most dangerous attacks.

Betting Analysis & Prediction

Argentina possess superior quality across every area of the pitch and have consistently started major tournaments strongly under Scaloni. Algeria arrive in good form, but their historical struggles at World Cup level and defensive record against elite opposition suggest they could find life difficult against the defending champions.

The statistic that the winning side led at half-time in each of Argentina’s last nine matches is particularly noteworthy, and with Messi and company eager to set the tone for their title defence, an early breakthrough looks likely.

Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Algeria

Best Bet: Argentina to Win Half-Time/Full-Time