World Cup: Argentina vs. Algeria Group J Pick — World Champions to Make Strong Start (Jun 16)

Published Jun 10, 5:40am ET by

Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Jun 10, 5:40am ET

Pick status
The 2026 World Cup will see Argentina vs. Algeria in Group J. Find the odds and our picks for MD1 here.

Credit: Shutterstock

Updated Jun 10, 5:40am ET

The reigning world champions will be involved in Group J at the World Cup this summer. Argentina will be aiming to get off to a fast start when they take on Algeria in Kansas City.

Algeria will likely be in a battle for second spot in the Group J standings, and they will be aiming to produce a competitive display against the reigning champions on June 16.

Argentina vs. Algeria Overview Watch On: FOX

DATE & TIME

Tuesday, June 16 2026 @ 9:00 PM ET
Argentina
Kansas City Stadium, USA
Algeria
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
Argentina -250
DRAW +380
Algeria +775

World Champions Expected to Dominate Group J

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina will be widely expected to dominate Group J at the World Cup. The reigning world champions have been in excellent form since winning their third honor in Qatar.

La Selección have won all four of their internationals in 2026, and they have kept clean sheets in each of their previous three. Lionel Messi will be key to the nation’s chances, and the legendary star scored his sixth goal in as many starts in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Iceland on Tuesday evening.

ALSO SEE: World Cup 2026 Outright Winner Odds, Preview, and Picks

Africans Have Hopes of a Qualifying Spot

Algeria are expected to be competitive in Group J this summer. The African nation reached the quarterfinal stage at AFCON earlier this year, and they have bounced back to form in impressive fashion after avoiding defeat in their previous three.

Algeria have proven to be a difficult team to beat since last summer, avoiding defeat in 17 of their previous 18. Experienced stars such as Riyad Mahrez and Ramy Bensebaini will be crucial to their chances. Meanwhile, Amine Gouri could form an integral part of their forward line after scoring eight in 22 international appearances.

Argentina vs. Algeria Pick

Algeria will likely sit deep and try and be difficult to break down on MD1. However, the quality that Argentina boasts in the final third of the field ensures that they are the logical angle to pick up a win in their opening match of their title defense.

Pick
Argentina (-250)
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000