Argentina is returning to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with one goal in mind – add its name to the nations to have secured back-to-back tournaments over the years. It’s a historic opportunity for the 2022 winners, as they will now have to set the pace of play in the first game versus Algeria, which is, according to oddsmakers, an easy enough task.
Argentina vs Algeria Odds
| Moneyline | Odds |
|---|---|
| Argentina | -250 |
| Draw | +775 |
| Algeria | +380 |
| Spread | Odds |
|---|---|
| Argentina -1.5 | +121 |
| Algeria +1.5 | -137 |
| Totals | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 2.5 | -106 |
| Under 2.5 | -110 |
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Argentina vs Algeria Time, Date, Where to Watch
- Date: Tuesday, June 16
- Time: 8 pm CT
- Place: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, USA
- Where to Watch: FOX, Fox One, Fubo
Argentina and Algeria Both Have a Lot on the Line
Group J is not exactly an easy one, as it also contains Austria and Jordan, two teams that are capable of performing well. Yet, Algeria is the clear favorite here, returning as a defending champion from the 2022 mondial, with the team looking to secure a second FIFA World Cup win back-to-back from the current edition.
The oddsmakers place the chance of a win here at (-225), which is not too overwhelming, meaning that Algeria may still play a strong game. The odds of a tie are set at (+380) whereas Algeria emerging as the winner from the match are set at very long (+775).
For Argentina, this is also the first time the team is returning to the FIFA World Cup since 2014, and the team will seek to make a statement early on. Truth is, Algeria has a very good chance of coming up second in the group, but it would have to keep Argentina at bay as much as it can.
Argentina, however, have been on a tear, defeating Zambia 5-0 and Iceland 3-0. Lionel Messi, even at 38 remains a threat to the opponent’s club, and with heavy-hitters such as Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, Algeria seems to have few options on its hand.
Yet, Argentina is unlikely to fire on all cylinders in this opening game despite the excitement. Dominating the Group Stage would be easy enough for the squad, but advancing will be harder, as this year’s edition is the event’s largest.
So, What Can Algeria Do to Contain Argentina?
The truth is that there is an ever slight chance to see Algeria be able to withstand Argentina. For the most part, the team will play a reactory game, where it is finding its pace against dominant midfielders and strikers, which is expected.
With fewer opportunities to attack, players such as Mohamed Amoura and Riyad Mahrez will have to adapt to the dynamics of the game and have a less fluent game throughout the match.
However, Algeria has already demonstrated that it is able to put in the work, clocking a 4-0 against Bolivia, and then prizing away a game against the Netherlands, granted a friendly match, but still a monumental indicator that Algeria has to it more than its 12-year absence from the event suggests.
This being said, you would probably want to pick an outcome such as Argentina to Cover the Spread here, and this is precisely what we recommend you did.
Pick: Argentina -1.5 (+121)