Group J’s Argentina vs Algeria clash wasn’t all about Lionel Messi, but it came very close. Messi helped himself to all three goals in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, and equaled the World Cup goal scoring record of Miroslav Klose’s 16. As expected Algeria made life difficult enough for a while, with just the one first half goal, but having a Messi among other star players makes the difference and they added tow goals in the second half. Algeria didn’t manage a shot on target which always makes it hard to win World Cup games, or any footballing contests.
This Argentina vs Algeria Match Centre Express Summary has just enough stats and colour from game to give you a taste of the 2026 FIFA World Cup clash.
Like the John West of Football stats, The Gurgler trawled the internet to find the quickest, easiest stats just for you. To give you just the taste of stats you need to impress friends and/or family.
This Argentina vs Algeria Group J match is possibly the pick of the opening round of games, and France beware, as Senegal won their opening match last time they met on the first round of the World Cup, a result that effectively helped send France packing and started the trend of former World Cup winners leaving in the knockout stage. Senegal are no chumps, they won and didn’t win the African Cup of Nations, and are best placed to lead African glory. France have looked even better, and you feel it’s only French temperament that will keep them from doing well.
Argentina vs Algeria Preview
STATS SUMMARY
RATINGS
The Gurgler’s in-house Ratings system based on H2H stats, World Cup stats, recent records, qualifying and past World Cup performance is here to make choosing the winner easier, or have something to blame.
| Argentina | 63.3% | Algeria | 36.7% |
BARELY INTERESTING STATS
Argentina famously lost their first game at the 2022 World Cup, and to Saudi Arabia which seemed unlikely then and now. But they still won the tournament. Overall they are W10 D1 L7 for the opening game of their World Cup. Their last two were the previously mentioned loss and a draw with Iceland in 2018.
Algeria have lost both of their last two opening World Cup fixtures, with a W1 D1 L2 record overall.
Algeria are W1 L1 v South American nations at the World Cup – beating Chile in 1982 and losing to Brazil in 1986.
Since beating famously beaten by Cameroon at the 1990 World Cup, Argentina have won six in a row v African nations at the FIFA World Cup, five of those games being against Nigeria.
The only game H2H between these teams ended 4-3 to Argentina.
Algeria have never won in North America – D1 L5.
Lionel Messi top scored in South American qualifying with eight goals.
MATCH PREDICTION
ARGENTINA 2 ALGERIA 0
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