Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni said things will be difficult against Algeria in the World Cup opener. | Photo Credit: AFP

Argentina will approach its World Cup opener against Algeria ​with caution and respect, coach Lionel Scaloni said on ‌Monday, recalling its shock defeat to Saudi Arabia ​in its first match at Qatar ⁠2022 before they went on to lift the trophy.

“It’s a great team with quick players up front. It’s a good ‌side to be careful with and to respect. They will make things difficult,” Scaloni ‌told reporters.

He described Algeria as similar in ‌style ⁠to Morocco, who dominated Brazil for much ⁠of its 1-1 draw on Saturday, praising its “great players and good coach” Vladimir Petkovic.

Scaloni emphasised the need for calm ahead of ​the opener.

“From the last ‌World Cup we know the first game is not decisive, even if it is important. We have peace of mind that it doesn’t end ‌in the first match,” he said.

The coach said ​his squad is fit, with striker Julian Alvarez recovering from an ankle issue and ⁠available, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is expected to start after recovering from a finger fracture suffered in ‌the warm-up to Aston Villa’s Europa League final win.

Defender Nicolas Tagliafico, however, remains doubtful to start due to a calf injury.

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Veteran centre back Nicolas Otamendi called for defensive organisation while highlighting Argentina’s position as title holders.

“We know we are the champions everyone ‌will want to beat,” said the 38-year-old defender, who last ​month agreed to a deal with River Plate 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 need to try to ‌have solid defensive organisation.”

Argentina and Algeria face off in Kansas City on Tuesday. They are in ​Group J, alongside Austria and Jordan.

Published on Jun 16, 2026