Argentina vs. Algeria Projected Starting Lineups: Starting 11 For Argentina’s Opening Match
The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues Monday as Argentina and Algeria square off in a Group J matchup featuring the defending world champions against one of Africa’s most experienced and technically gifted national teams.
Argentina enter the tournament looking to build on their recent international success behind a squad loaded with talent and experience. Led by Lionel Messi and a strong core of players competing at Europe’s highest levels, La Albiceleste remain among the favorites to lift the trophy once again. Algeria, meanwhile, will look to spring an upset behind a veteran-led attack featuring Riyad Mahrez and a talented supporting cast capable of causing problems for any opponent.
With valuable group-stage points on the line and both teams eager to begin their World Cup campaign with a positive result, this matchup could have a significant impact on the race to advance from Group I.
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Argentina Projected Starting Lineup
Argentina are expected to deploy a balanced lineup featuring elite talent throughout the squad. Emiliano Martínez is projected to start in goal behind a back four consisting of Nahuel Molina, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, and Facundo Medina.
In midfield, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to form one of the strongest midfield trios in the tournament. Their ability to control possession, break up opposition attacks, and create opportunities moving forward will be central to Argentina’s success.
Further forward, Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada are projected to operate from wide attacking positions, providing creativity and technical quality in the final third. Messi remains the heartbeat of Argentina’s attack thanks to his vision, passing range, and finishing ability, while Almada adds energy and playmaking ability from the flank.
Leading the line is expected to be Lautaro Martínez, whose movement, finishing, and physical presence make him one of the world’s most dangerous strikers.
- GK: Emiliano Martínez
- RB: Nahuel Molina
- CB: Lisandro Martínez
- CB: Cristian Romero
- LB: Facundo Medina
- CM: Rodrigo De Paul
- CM: Enzo Fernández
- CM: Alexis Mac Allister
- RW: Lionel Messi
- ST: Lautaro Martínez
- LW: Thiago Almada
Algeria Starting 11
Algeria are expected to line up in an attack-minded system built around experienced veterans and emerging talent.
Luca Zidane is projected to start in goal behind a back four of Rafik Belghali, Jaouen Hadjam, Aïssa Mandi, and Rayan Aït-Nouri. The defensive unit will face a difficult challenge against Argentina’s talented attack but possesses the experience and technical ability to remain competitive.
In midfield, Nabil Bentaleb, Hicham Boudaoui, and Farès Chaïbi are expected to anchor the center of the pitch. Bentaleb brings leadership and composure, while Boudaoui and Chaïbi offer energy and creativity as Algeria look to transition quickly into attack.
Up front, Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Amoura are projected to provide width and attacking support around striker Amine Gouiri. Mahrez remains Algeria’s most influential attacking player thanks to his creativity and ability to unlock defenses, while Gouiri and Amoura provide pace, movement, and goal-scoring threat in the final third.
- GK: Luca Zidane
- RB: Rafik Belghali
- CB: Jaouen Hadjam
- CB: Aïssa Mandi
- LB: Rayan Aït-Nouri
- CM: Nabil Bentaleb
- CM: Hicham Boudaoui
- CM: Farès Chaïbi
- RW: Riyad Mahrez
- ST: Amine Gouiri
- LW: Mohamed Amoura
Team News & Key Absences
Argentina enter the tournament with one of the deepest and most accomplished squads in international football. Messi remains the centerpiece of the attack, while players such as Lautaro Martínez, Mac Allister, Fernández, and Romero provide quality throughout the spine of the team.
Algeria will rely heavily on the experience of Mahrez and Mandi, while Gouiri and Amoura will be tasked with creating scoring opportunities against a disciplined Argentine defense. The midfield trio of Bentaleb, Boudaoui, and Chaïbi will also play a critical role in helping Algeria compete in possession and limit Argentina’s influence in central areas.
With both teams expected to have the majority of their preferred starters available, execution in key moments could ultimately determine the outcome.
Match Outlook & Resources
Argentina enter the match as clear favorites thanks to their depth, tournament experience, and star power. Messi remains one of the game’s greatest players, while Lautaro Martínez, Mac Allister, and Fernández provide plenty of support throughout the attack and midfield.
Algeria, however, possess enough talent to challenge stronger opponents when playing at their best. If Mahrez can dictate play in the final third and Gouiri and Amoura can capitalize on counterattacking opportunities, the Desert Foxes have the tools to make life difficult for the defending champions.
With both nations seeking valuable points in their opening Group I fixture, expect a competitive contest where individual quality and tactical discipline could ultimately decide the result.
AP Images/Butch Dill
