Argentina 3-0 Algeria: World Cup 2026 – as it happened

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to equal the all-time World Cup scoring record as Argentina got the defence of their title off to a winning start

What about Algeria? Even Maher Mezahi isn't sure what to expect.

Algeria are one of this World Cup's great unknowns. On paper, this team has an impressive recent record: a friendly victory over the Netherlands made it 21 wins, four draws and three defeats from 28 matches under Vladimir Petkovic, with 67 goals scored. The problem is that it has been achieved against generally poor-quality opposition. Algeria's qualifying campaign was a breeze, with Guinea and Mozambique - both considered Pot C sides on the continent - being their sternest tests.

We can be pretty sure Petkovic will lean on his players' technical quality, play attractive football, but leave gaps in behind the defence. What we don't know is which players will be called upon for half the starting positions.

The holders arrive at the World Cup with a squad that knows each other almost by heart but perhaps not with its players in peak physical condition - several had injury set-backs at the end of a very demanding season with their clubs. If everyone is fit, the coach will field many of the same players who were crowned champions in Qatar, with the exception of Angel Di Maria, who no longer plays for the national team.

Lionel Scaloni's plan is to keep the 4-3-3 formation, with a solid defence featuring two centre-backs and two attacking full-backs, plus dynamic midfielders with excellent passing. Lionel Messi leads the charge once more, supported by the formidable Julian Alvarez and Thiago Almada, who could be the breakout star. Almost two thirds of the 2022 squad remains, but it now also includes some promising young players such as Nico Paz, who has been in excellent form at Como. They will also have established stars like Lautaro Martinez, who aims to be in top condition for this World Cup: something he couldn't achieve in Qatar.