Argentina Vs Algeria, FIFA World Cup 2026 In Pics: See Best Photos From Group J Clash In Kansas City Stadium
Argentina Vs Algeria, Match Photos: Lionel Messi & Co. kick off their 2026 title defence against a dangerous Algeria squad in a keenly awaited FIFA World Cup 2026, Group J opener at the Kansas City Stadium today (17th June). The pre-tournament narrative focused on Argentine manager Lionel Scaloni's squad selection: blending veterans like Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, etc. with rising talents like Thiago Almada. Meanwhile, under Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria's Les Fennecs rely on captain Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura, and standout goalkeeper Luca Zidane. This match revisits their rare historical head-to-head encounters, including a memorable 4-3 thriller in 2007. With Group J also featuring Austria and Jordan, securing three points in the first match itself is essential for establishing early supremacy in the race for the Round of 32. See the best photos from the ARG vs ALG football match here:
Argentinian fans react ahead of the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Fans cheer before the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) waves before the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann
Mascots portraying soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi pose for a group photo with passersby in the historic center of Mexico City, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Marco Ugarte
Algeria players warm up before the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann
Argentinian fans react ahead of the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Argentina players warmup ahead of the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
General view during the pregame ceremony before the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann
Argentina's Lionel Messi gestures ahead of the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) and Algeria's Aissa Mandi (2) shake hands before the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann
Argentina supporters react during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Argentina pose for a team photo ahead of the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Algeria players pose for a group photo before the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Ed Zurga
Argentina's Lionel Messi and Algeria's Rayan Ait-Nouri battle for the ball during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Argentina's Thiago Almada (16) challenges for the ball with Algeria's Aissa Mandi (2) during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) shoots against Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane (23) during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) battles for the ball with Algeria's Fares Chaibi (10) during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, center, waves from the tribune during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Ed Zurga
Argentina's Lionel Messi is congratulated by teammate Cristian Romero, left, as Rodrigo de Paul, right, watches after scoring his team's first goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Fans celebrate Argentina's first goal as they watch the World Cup soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Rodrigo Abd
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni reacts during the hydration break during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Argentina's Thiago Almada (16) challenges for the ball with Algeria's Aissa Mandi (2) during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann
Argentina's Alexis Mac Allister, centre, falls as Algeria's Amine Gouiri, left, and Hicham Boudaoui watch during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
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