FIFA World Cup 2026 Prediction: Argentina vs Algeria (17-06-2026)

Argentina enter the FIFA World Cup as the number one ranked team in the world, but Algeria may prove to be a tougher opponent than the odds suggest.

The reigning world champions remain one of the strongest sides in international football, yet Algeria arrive in excellent form and have shown they can compete with quality opposition.

For FIFA World Cup betting, Bet25 betting site offers markets on handicaps, goals, player specials and live betting throughout the tournament.

With football available alongside more than 40 other sports, bettors can also take advantage of regular World Cup promotions and competitive odds across a wide range of markets.

Argentina have won eight of their last ten matches and continue to produce strong results.

Victories over Iceland, Honduras, Zambia, Mauritania and Angola underline the quality within the squad, while clean sheets in four of their last five matches highlight their defensive strength.

However, Algeria arrive with momentum of their own.

Recent victories over Bolivia (4-0), the Netherlands (1-0) and Guatemala (7-0), alongside a goalless draw against Uruguay, suggest this team is capable of competing against strong opposition.

Algeria have not conceded a single goal across their last four matches.

The only previous meeting between these nations finished 4-3 in Argentina’s favour back in 2007, although that result has little relevance to the current squads.

While Argentina deserve their status as favourites, this could be one of the toughest opponents they have faced in recent months.

Algeria have looked organised defensively, dangerous on the counterattack and difficult to break down.

Argentina may still find a way to collect all three points, but asking them to win by two goals or more against an in-form Algerian side feels demanding.

That makes Algeria +1.5 one of the more interesting handicap options in this opening FIFA World Cup fixture.