BETTING GUIDE: Argentina vs Algeria, Austria vs Jordan, World Cup Predictions
Reading Time: 5min | Tue. 16.06.26. | 02:16
The defending champions kickstarts their World Cup campaign, below are the betting predictions
BETTING GUIDE: Argentina vs Algeria
Reigning world champions Argentina finally begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 title defence with a Group J clash against Algeria .Lionel Scaloni's side arrive in North America aiming to become only the third nation in history to successfully retain the World Cup, following in the footsteps of Italy and Brazil.
With much of the squad that lifted the trophy in Qatar still intact, expectations remain sky-high for La Albiceleste.
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Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and will be hoping to make a strong impression in a group that also features Austria and Jordan.
The Fennec Foxes have impressed in recent months, producing several strong performances and entering the tournament with confidence. However, facing the defending champions in their opening match represents a huge challenge for Vladimir Petkovic's side.
Kick-off: 4:00 AM (Kenyan Time), Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, USA
Group: Group J
Current standings: All teams yet to play (Matchday 1)
Qualification implications: A victory would provide a valuable early advantage in the race for the top two places in Group J. Argentina are favourites to win the group, while Algeria will see a positive result as crucial to their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Form Guide
Argentina
✅ Win vs Iceland (3-0)
✅ Win vs Honduras (2-0)
✅ Win vs Zambia (5-0)
✅ Win vs Mauritania (2-1)
✅ Win vs Angola (2-0)
Algeria
✅ Win vs Bolivia (4-0)
✅ Win vs Netherlands (1-0)
➖ Draw vs Uruguay (0-0)
✅ Win vs Guatemala (7-0)
❌ Loss vs Nigeria (0-2)
Head-to-Head
The two nations have met once before.
✅ Argentina 4-3 Algeria (Friendly, 2007)
Team News
Argentina
🟢 Lionel Messi – Recovered from hamstring injury
🟢 Emiliano Martinez – Cleared after finger injury
🟢 Leandro Paredes – Expected to be fit
🟢 Nico Gonzalez – Expected to be fit
❌ Nicolas Tagliafico – Calf injury, unavailable
Algeria
❌ Ramy Bensebaini – Ankle injury, doubtful
🟢 Amine Gouiri – Recovered from shoulder injury
🟢 Luca Zidane – Returned after jaw fracture, available
Player to Watch: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi heads into his sixth World Cup as Argentina’s captain and creative leader, set to make his 200th international appearance.
Still central to the team’s attack after scoring eight qualifying goals, his vision and game-changing ability will be key as Argentina look to start their title defence strongly against Algeria.
Player to Watch: Mohammed Amoura (Algeria)
Amoura is Algeria’s main attacking threat after finishing top scorer in CAF qualifying with 10 goals. His pace and direct style make him dangerous on the counterattack, and he will be key if Algeria are to trouble Argentina’s defence.
🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Argentina to Win
🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Both Teams To Score – Yes
🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Argentina to Win 2-1
MozzartSport Writers Predictions:
• Imran Otieno- Argentina Win
• Meshack Kisenge- Argentina Win
• Kevin Teya- Argentina Win
• Sammy Gitahi- Over 2.5 goals
• Brian Odhiambo- Argentina Win
• Victor Karuga-Argentina Win
• Josh Angatia- Argentina Win
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling
BETTING GUIDE: Austria vs Jordan
Austria begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with confidence as they face debutants Jordan in a Group J clash . Ralf Rangnick’s side arrive in strong form after an impressive qualifying campaign and a solid run of pre-tournament friendlies, making them one of the more dangerous European teams outside the top favourites.
With Argentina and Algeria also in the group, Austria will be targeting an opening win to strengthen their chances of progressing.
Jordan, meanwhile, make history by featuring at their first-ever World Cup finals after a memorable qualification run.
Despite their achievement, the Chivalrous Ones enter the tournament as underdogs and are currently on a winless run in recent matches.
Kick-off: 7:00 AM (Kenyan Time), Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, USA
Group: Group J
Current standings: All teams yet to play (Matchday 1)
Qualification implications: A win would give Austria an early advantage in the race for the top two spots in Group J. Jordan will be aiming to avoid defeat to keep their qualification hopes alive before tougher fixtures against Argentina and Algeria.
Form Guide
Austria
❌ Loss vs Romania (0-1)
✅ Win vs Cyprus (2-0)
➖ Draw vs Bosnia & Herzegovina (1-1)
✅ Win vs Ghana (5-1)
✅ Win vs South Korea (1-0)
Jordan
❌ Loss vs Colombia (0-2)
❌ Loss vs Switzerland (1-4)
➖ Draw vs Nigeria (2-2)
➖ Draw vs Costa Rica (2-2)
❌ Loss vs Morocco (2-3)
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between Austria and Jordan.
Team News
Austria
🟢 David Alaba – Expected to start despite fitness concerns
🟡 Patrick Wimmer – Doubt
🟡 Florian Grillitsch – Doubt
🟡 Dejan Ljubicic – Replaced Baumgartner in squad
Jordan
❌ Yazan Al Naimat – Injured (out since December)
🟡 Ibrahim Sabra – Replaced in squad
🟢 Mousa Tamari – Fit and expected to start
Player to Watch: Marko Arnautovic (Austria)
Arnautovic is Austria’s veteran striker and all-time top scorer with 47 goals, providing experience, strength, and reliable finishing in attack.
He will be key against a Jordan defence that has struggled recently, as Austria are expected to create plenty of chances. His big-match experience makes him a major threat to open the tournament strongly.
Player to Watch: Mousa Tamari (Jordan)
Tamari is Jordan’s key attacking player and a major creative force behind their historic first World Cup qualification. His pace, dribbling, and counterattacking threat will be vital if Jordan are to trouble Austria. His impact could decide how competitive Jordan are in their debut tournament appearance.
🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk): Austria to Win
🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk): Austria to Win & Under 3.5 Goals
🔴 Long Shot (High Risk): Austria to Win 2-0
MozzartSport Writers Predictions:
• Imran Otieno- Austria Win
• Meshack Kisenge- Austria Win
• Kevin Teya- Austria Win
• Sammy Gitahi- Austria Win
• Brian Odhiambo- Austria Win
• Victor Karuga-Austria Win
• Josh Angatia- Austria Win
Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling