Argentina x Algeria probable lineup at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Argentina defines the final adjustments for its debut in the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Algeria, this Tuesday (16), at 10pm (Brasília time), at Arrowhead Stadium, in Kansas City. With Lionel Messi fit and Emiliano Martínez recovered, Lionel Scaloni must field a team with a strong base from the victorious 2022 campaign, but with occasional adjustments due to injuries. The live broadcast is handled by Prime Video.
The Argentine coach has his doubts resolved, but loses Nicolás Tagliafico, with a muscle injury. Facundo Medina appears as the natural replacement on the left flank. Messi, at 38 years old, should start as a starter, albeit with minutes management. Julián Álvarez is also available after minor fitness concerns.
Argentina’s probable lineup (4-3-3)
Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi (or Lisandro Martínez), Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister; Thiago Almada, Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez (or Lautaro Martínez).Technical:Lionel Scaloni.
This formation maintains the defensive solidity that was key in 2022, with the creative midfield trio intact. The attack relies on Messi’s experience to unbalance, supported by Álvarez’s speed or Lautaro’s eye for goal. Medina brings physical strength on the left, while Otamendi and Romero form the experienced defense duo.
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Probable Algeria lineup (4-2-3-1)
Luca Zidane; Achref Abada (or Rafik Belghali), Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini (or Zineddine Belaid), Rayan Aït-Nouri; Nabil Bentaleb, Houssem Aouar (or Hicham Boudaoui); Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri, Mohamed Amoura.Technical:Vladimir Petković.
The Fennecs, led by Petković, are betting on players with experience at major European clubs. Mahrez, captain and main star, leads the attack alongside Amoura and Gouiri. The defense has Mandi’s experience and Aït-Nouri’s speed on the left. The team occupies a lower position in the FIFA rankings, but arrives motivated after good results in friendlies.
Injury adjustments and Scaloni strategy
Tagliafico’s absence forces the entry of Medina, who has already played in recent games and offers both defensive and projection options. Scaloni prioritizes experience, but tests variations in attack to preserve Messi. The focus is to control the midfield and explore quick transitions against an Algeria team that must close in and look for counterattacks.
Highlights and head-to-head
Messi is looking for records in his possible last World Cup, while Algeria dreams of a historic upset. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak referees the game, which marks the start of Group J. Arrowhead Stadium is expected to receive mixed fans, with a strong presence of Argentines and Algerians in the region.
