Defending world champions Argentina begin their title defense with a Group J clash against Algeria in the opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The two teams have met only once before, in an international friendly in 2007, when Argentina secured a 2-1 victory. In the latest FIFA World Rankings, Argentina remain No. 1 in the world, while Algeria are also highly respected, sitting inside the global Top 30.
Argentina enter the tournament in outstanding form. Lionel Scaloni’s side are currently on a seven-match winning streak, scoring 21 goals while conceding only once. Six of those seven victories were accompanied by clean sheets.
Algeria have also been impressive. The North African side are unbeaten in their last four matches and have suffered only one defeat over the past year, a loss to Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite Argentina’s dominant results, their corner production has not been particularly high. Across those seven consecutive victories, the Albiceleste have averaged just over 4.7 corners per match.
Meanwhile, Algeria have struggled in the corner markets, losing the Asian corner handicap in five of their last six matches.
Given Argentina’s superiority and Algeria’s recent corner-handicap record, the South Americans appear to hold the edge. However, the overall corner count may remain relatively low.
Prediction: Argentina to win the corner handicap & Under corners (Full Match)
First-Half Corner Kick Prediction
Seven of Argentina’s last nine matches have finished Under the first-half corner line.
However, those same matches show that Argentina consistently generate attacking pressure early, averaging more than 2.5 first-half corners before the break.
Algeria have also struggled in first-half corner handicap markets, losing five of their last six such bets.
Considering the likely match scenario—with Argentina dominating possession and territory—Scaloni’s men are expected to control the corner count from the opening whistle.
Prediction: Argentina to win the first-half corner handicap & Under first-half corners
Team News
Argentina
- Leandro Paredes and Nicolás González are expected to recover from recent muscle injuries.
- Left-back Nicolás Tagliafico is set to miss the match due to a thigh problem.
- Lionel Messi is approaching his 200th international appearance and his 27th World Cup match in what is expected to be his sixth World Cup tournament.
Algeria
- Left-back Ramy Bensebaini remains doubtful with an ankle injury.
- Samir Chergui and Zineddine Belaïd are competing for a place in the starting lineup.
Probable Lineups
Argentina
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez.
Algeria
Alexis Guendouz; Belghali, Aïssa Mandi, Samir Chergui, Rayan Aït-Nouri; Nabil Bentaleb, Hicham Boudaoui; Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza, Mohamed Amoura; Amine Gouiri.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total meetings: 1
- Argentina wins: 1
- Draws: 0
- Algeria wins: 0
The only previous meeting was a friendly match in 2007, won 2-1 by Argentina.
Betting Tips Summary
Full Match Corners
- Argentina to win the corner handicap
- Under total corners
First-Half Corners
- Argentina to win the first-half corner handicap
- Under first-half corners
Argentina’s recent dominance, combined with Algeria’s struggles against corner handicaps, points toward another favorable corner performance for the reigning world champions. However, Argentina’s relatively modest corner averages suggest that the total number of corners may stay below the market line.