World Cup Hero
Predict the 2026 World Cup your way
Algeria and Argentina share Group J at the 2026 World Cup and meet in the group stage. Both sides are fighting to reach the knockouts. On the FIFA ranking, Argentina are the favourite — a 35-place gap.
Algeria - Argentina will be played on Wednesday 17th June 2026 at 21:00 ET in Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. ✓ Officially confirmed.
| Algeria 🇩🇿 | Metric | 🇦🇷 Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| #36 | FIFA Ranking | #1 |
| Group J | Group | Group J |
| CAF | Confederation | CONMEBOL |
| Vladimir Petković | Head coach | Lionel Scaloni |
| 5 | WC appearances | 19 |
| Round of 16 (2014) | Best WC | World champion (1978, 1986, 2022) |
Algeria are by far the toughest opponent for Argentina in Group J. Mahrez (al-Ahli), Bennacer (Milan) and Amoura bring creativity and pace. Second place behind Argentina is realistic; a Round of 16 spot would extend their finest World Cup chapter since 2014.
Reigning champions, world number one, with Messi on his farewell tour — it's hard to think of more reasons to label Argentina the top favourite. Behind Messi stands a team that wins without him too: Martínez intimidates keepers, Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández control any midfield, Álvarez and Almada find the goals. Group J with Algeria, Austria and Jordan is a winning formality. The question isn't whether Argentina reach the quarter-finals, but whether Scaloni keeps them fresh until the final. A title defence would place Messi alongside Pelé and above Maradona. A semi-final is the minimum; anything less is failure.
Set your 10 sliders and decide which teams win according to your model — including this group-stage match.
Start predicting →Yes — Algeria and Argentina meet in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup (Group J).
On the FIFA world ranking, Argentina (#1) are favoured over Algeria (#36). The gap is 35 ranking places.
Algeria: Round of 16 (2014) (5 World Cup appearances). Argentina: World champion (1978, 1986, 2022) (19 World Cup appearances).
Algeria are coached by Vladimir Petković. Argentina are coached by Lionel Scaloni.
Algeria play in Group J. Argentina play in Group J.
Last updated: 2026-06-07