Argentina will approach their World Cup opener against Algeria with caution and respect, coach Lionel Scaloni said on Monday, as he recalled their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their first match against Qatar in 2022 before they lifted the trophy.
«It’s a great team with fast players up front. It’s a good team to be careful with and to respect. They will make it difficult,» Scaloni told reporters.
He described Algeria as similar in style to Morocco, who dominated Brazil for much of Saturday’s 1-1 draw, and praised its «great players and good coach» Vladimir Petkovic.
Scaloni emphasized the need for calm ahead of the opener.
«We know from the last World Cup that the first match is not decisive, even though it is important. We can rest assured that it will not end in the first match,» he said.
The coach said his side are fit, with striker Julian Alvarez recovering from an ankle injury and available, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is expected to start after recovering from a broken finger suffered in the warm-up for Aston Villa’s Europa League final.
However, defender Nicolas Tagliafico remains doubtful to start due to a calf injury.
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Veteran centre-back Nicolas Otamendi called for a defensive organization while emphasizing Argentina’s position as title holders.
“We know we are the champions that everyone wants to beat,” said the 38-year-old defender, who agreed to a deal with River Plate last month after leaving Benfica.
«We have the example from Qatar. Any team can cause problems,» Otamendi said. «We have to play our game. They have good players. Overall we have to try to have a solid defensive organization.»
Argentina and Algeria face off in Kansas City on Tuesday. They are in Group J, alongside Austria and Jordan.
Published on June 16, 2026
