Argentina Faces Bigger World Cup Challenge Than Injuries: Algeria Looms Large

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just over a week away, reigning champions Argentina are facing growing concerns ahead of their opening match. While coach Lionel Scaloni grapples with several players nursing minor injuries, a potentially larger threat emerges from their first opponent, Algeria.

Algeria recently stunned the football world by defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in an international friendly. This impressive victory follows a dominant 7-0 win over Guatemala and a 0-0 draw with Uruguay in March, signaling that Algeria could pose a much tougher challenge than anticipated for Argentina on June 16.