Twelve years after their last World Cup appearance, the Desert Foxes are back on the biggest stage — and they’re not easing in. Algeria open their Group J campaign against reigning champions Argentina on Wednesday 17 June 2026 (kick-off 9:00 PM ET / 3:00 AM CET) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. A first test, and already a statement game for Vladimir Petković’s side.
For Algeria, this return carries the weight of history. Out of the tournament since 2014, the Greens cruised through African qualifying and arrived in the United States in good shape, headlined by a prestige friendly win in the Netherlands (1-0). Captain Riyad Mahrez leads an attack powered by in-form striker Mohamed Amoura and Marseille’s Amine Gouiri, while the Mandi–Bensebaïni partnership and young goalkeeper Luca Zidane provide solidity at the back. The downsides: an injury to Youcef Atal and the surprise omission of striker Baghdad Bounedjah.
Argentina, meanwhile, arrive as clear favourites, with a 38-year-old Lionel Messi gracing what is almost certainly his final World Cup. Riding three straight international titles (2022 World Cup, 2021 and 2024 Copa América), the Albiceleste boast a settled squad despite losing defender Leonardo Balerdi to injury — replaced by Marcos Senesi — and a fitness doubt over Nicolás Tagliafico. On paper, the gap looks wide and the bookmakers agree. Yet an Algeria side capable of upsetting the odds is no easy prey, and an entire continent will be watching.