Algeria vs Argentina World Cup 2026 Betting Preview & Prediction
Posted 4 months ago | Betting Previews and Predictions, Soccer | 0 comments
Algeria vs Argentina Opening Betting Odds
Spread: Algeria +1, +125, Argentina -1. -145
Moneyline: Algeria +700, Argentina -230
Total: 2.5
Algeria vs Argentina June 16, 2026 World Cup Preview
Argentina will come into the tournament as reigning World Cup Champions after defeating France in a penalty shootout in the Final. While they were ousted in the round of 16 by France in 2018, the Argentinians went all the way to the Final in Brazil in 2014, losing to Germany. Lionel Messi won the Golden Ball (the best player in the tournament) in both the 2014 and 2022 World Cup.
Algeria returns to the World Cup for the first time in 12 years, after being eliminated by the eventual champions Germany by a score of 2-1 in added time in the Round of 16 in Brazil. The bookmakers clearly don’t like Algeria’s chances having them priced at 400-1 to win the World Cup. Argentina is one of the favorites priced at +800.
Argentina Preview
- 6-1 Last WC in 202
- 12-2-4 WC2026 Qualifiers
- 5-0 Last 5 matches
Lionel Messi is now 38 years old, and hasn’t played top flight football since leaving Paris Saint Germain in 2023. His trophy case is as controversial as it is impressive. He’s won the Golden Ball in two of the last three World Cup Finals, despite losing to Germany in Brazil. He scored four goals in the 2014 tournament, but all four of those goals came in the group stages. He was scoreless in the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals and the Final.
Scoring wasn’t an issue for Messi in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as he was awarded a record four penalties. To say that this was controversial would be an understatement. Rio Ferdinand was not impressed: “It was a disgraceful decision,” said former England defender Ferdinand on the BBC. “This isn’t what VAR has been brought in. He’s flicked his eyelash. The fact he has gone to look at it…it’s an outrageous decision.”
On paper Argentina appears to be as talented as any team in the tournament, but it’s concerning that many of their star players are perhaps past their prime.
Algeria Preview
- 1-1-2 Last WC in 2014
- 8-1-1 WC2026 Qualifiers
- 3-1-1 Last 5 matches
Algeria proved that their defensive tactics can be effective against a top South American squad when they played a scoreless draw against Uruguay in their last match ahead ot the tournament. Riyad Mahrez will be the team captain, and the 35 year old has had a decorated career and he likely still possesses the quality to be a difference maker. Mohammed Amoura scored 10 goals in Algeria’s qualifying matches, and he will receive plenty of attention from opposing defenders.
They know they are overmatched here against Argentina, so we can expect a cautious approach. A result similar to their game against Uruguay in their last match would be seens as a huge victory.
Relevant Trends
- Algeria posted three clean sheets in their last five matches.
- Argentina posted four clean sheets in their last five matches.
- Argentina conceded 10 goals in 18 qualifying matches.
- The total has gone UNDER in three of Algeria’s last four matches.
- Algeria conceded eight goals in 10 qualifying matches.
PREDICTION: ARGENTINA 1, ALGERIA 0
The last match Algeria played prior to the World Cup was a scoreless draw versus Uruguay. There is no doubt that is what Algeria is going to look to do here in their opening match versus Argentina. They want to stifle their opponent with pessimistic football, with their only goal to hang on for as long as possible. Argentina has held four of their last five opponents scoreless, and it’s going to be tough for Algeria to score here. The underdog will play for the draw, and the favorite will break through late.
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