📅 2026 World Cup Fixture: Group J · Tuesday, June 16, 2026 · GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City

 

Argentina vs Algeria is a rare fixture — the two nations have met just once at senior international level, in a wild 4-3 friendly in Barcelona in June 2007. Nineteen years later, they meet again at the 2026 World Cup, and the stakes could not be more different.

Argentina arrive as defending champions with arguably the friendliest path among top seeds. Algeria, the Desert Warriors, are a tournament veteran with their own footballing pedigree, and they specialize in lifting their level against elite opposition.

All-Time Head-to-Head Record

Argentina lead the all-time head-to-head between Argentina and Algeria, who have met 1 time at senior international level since 2007.

1 Meetings

1 Argentina wins

0 Draws

0 Algeria wins

 

Stat	Argentina	Algeria
Total wins	1	0
Goals scored	4	3
Goals per match	4.00	3.00
Win rate	100%	0%

 

Last meetings between Argentina and Algeria

Date	Competition	Home	Away	Score
Jun 5, 2007	Friendly	Argentina	Algeria	4-3

 

Biggest wins for each side

Argentina's biggest result

Argentina 4–3 Algeria, International Friendly, June 5, 2007, Camp Nou, Barcelona — In their only senior meeting, Argentina edged a seven-goal thriller, with both attacks finding plenty of space and Algeria pushing a star-studded Argentine side all the way.

Algeria's biggest result

Algeria pushed a Lionel Messi-led Argentina to seven goals in their only meeting — a result that, while a loss, served notice of Algerian competitiveness.

The most famous match

2007 Friendly in Barcelona — The match featured Lionel Messi (then 19), Carlos Tevez and Juan Román Riquelme on Argentina's side. The 4-3 final score line foreshadowed Algeria's modern style: technically rich, willing to attack, and never out of any game.

 

Top scorer in the rivalry

Lionel Messi scored in the only previous meeting between Argentina and Algeria — at age 19, before his Ballon d'Or run. Whether he plays in 2026 at age 38 will be one of the storylines of the tournament.

2026 World Cup Preview

Key players: Argentina

Lionel Messi (potentially his final World Cup), Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister.

Key players: Algeria

Riyad Mahrez (still the talisman), Ismaël Bennacer, Houssem Aouar, Saïd Benrahma, Luca Zidane (Zinedine's son, in goal for Algeria).

Match prediction

Argentina are heavy favorites but Algeria's experience and quality on the wings will keep this competitive for 70 minutes. Argentina 2-0 prediction.

How the 2026 World Cup match actually went

Argentina won 3-0 in Kansas City on June 16, 2026 — a Lionel Messi hat-trick that equalled Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup record of 16 goals, scored 20 years to the day after Messi's own World Cup debut. Argentina went on to top Group J, with Algeria advancing anyway as one of the best third-placed teams.

For the official record, see FIFA's Argentina v Algeria match report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score when Argentina played Algeria at the 2026 World Cup?

Argentina won 3-0 on June 16, 2026, in Kansas City. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick, equalling Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goals record.

What is the all-time head-to-head record between Argentina and Algeria?

Argentina and Algeria have met only once at senior international level. Argentina won the June 5, 2007 friendly in Barcelona 4-3. They have never met at a World Cup or in any competitive fixture before 2026.

Did Argentina ever play Algeria at the World Cup?

No. The 2026 World Cup match in Group J on June 16, 2026, will be the first ever World Cup meeting between Argentina and Algeria.

When did Argentina last play Algeria?

Argentina's only meeting with Algeria was a 4-3 friendly in Barcelona on June 5, 2007. The two have not played since — a 19-year gap that ends at the 2026 World Cup.

Did Lionel Messi play in Argentina vs Algeria in 2007?

Yes. Lionel Messi played in the 2007 friendly at the age of 19 and scored. The match was held at Camp Nou in Barcelona, where he was already starring for FC Barcelona.

Is Luca Zidane playing for Algeria?

Yes. Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine Zidane, has committed to play for Algeria after switching from France. He is Algeria's likely starting goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup, although injury form will determine his availability.

 See Also: Brazil vs Morocco Head to Head: All-Time Record, Results & 2026 Preview

Last updated August 3, 2026, with the final World Cup 2026 result.