Current World Cup holders Argentina play their first game of the competition and it’s not an easy one for them as they take on African nation Algeria. Fellow World Cup favourites like Spain have surprisingly dropped points in their first match of the tournament, and Argentina will want to start their defence with all three points to send a message to other teams hoping to win the competition.
Check out some betting tips for Argentina vs Algeria below, and also see some of our recommended World Cup betting offers that are currently live across the best betting sites.
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Argentina vs Algeria Betting Tips
The reigning champions Argentina begin the defence of their crown against Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 tournament. The Group J clash is set for an early kick-off on Wednesday, 17th June at 2:00am BST, so read on for the full analysis behind our expert’s selections.
Scaloni’s Side to Start with Three Points
Argentina enter the tournament in formidable form and are heavily favoured to secure a victory in their opening fixture. The South American giants have suffered just a single defeat in their last 14 matches, a run that demonstrates their consistency under Lionel Scaloni.
During that impressive stretch, they have averaged 2.20 goals per game, showcasing their potent attack. Their solitary loss came against a strong Ecuador side, who themselves only lost twice throughout the entire CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, putting the defeat into context.
While Algeria have also produced some solid results, their lack of experience on the biggest stage could be a deciding factor. The Desert Foxes have not competed in this tournament since 2014, and that extended absence contrasts sharply with Argentina’s seasoned squad.
Furthermore, Argentina have a strong record in the group stages of recent finals, winning nine of their last 12 group matches. Their ability to navigate the early rounds effectively should see them through here.
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Throw-in Market Offers Value
The throw-in market presents an interesting angle for this match. Argentina’s matches do not typically feature an exceptionally high number of throws, but Algeria’s tactical approach is expected to alter that dynamic. The African side is likely to press aggressively when Argentina play out from the back, which should lead to more clearances and balls put out of play.
Officials at major tournaments have been instructed to clamp down on time-wasting, a policy that leads to more active playing time and, consequently, more throw-ins. During the group stages of the 2022 tournament, this resulted in an average of 41.1 throws per game.
This trend was evident in Argentina’s own matches in Qatar. Their seven games saw an average of 40 throws per match, with the Over 31.5 line being comfortably cleared on every single occasion. This historical data provides a strong foundation for a repeat performance.
A recent friendly against the Netherlands, where Algeria were priced similarly as underdogs, further supports this selection. That particular encounter produced a total of 48 throw-ins, suggesting Algeria’s style against top-tier opposition leads to a fragmented game.
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Amoura a Threat for the Desert Foxes
While an Argentine victory is the most probable outcome, there is value in backing Algeria’s Mohamed Amoura to find the net. He was prolific during the African qualifiers, contributing directly to 14 goals with 10 goals and four assists, making him one of the continent’s most dangerous forwards.
His club form has also been noteworthy. Despite playing for a Wolfsburg side that was relegated from the Bundesliga in 2025/26, Amoura finished as the team’s joint-top scorer with eight league goals. This ability to perform in a struggling team highlights his individual quality.
Argentina’s defence, while generally solid, was not impenetrable during qualification, conceding 10 goals in 18 matches. Amoura possesses the pace and finishing ability to exploit any defensive lapses, making him a strong value candidate to score at long odds.
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