Scaloni’s selection call: how will holders Argentina line up vs Algeria?

Defending champions Argentina are set to begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Algeria on Wednesday [7am, Bangladesh Time] at the Kansas City Stadium, with coach Lionel Scaloni still weighing up key decisions over his starting lineup and tactical approach.

While the core of the team appears settled, the biggest uncertainty remains in defence. Scaloni has reportedly experimented with both a 4-4-2 and a 3-5-2 formation during training, keeping opponents guessing ahead of Group J's opening match.

The good news for Argentina is the return of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. The World Cup hero arrived in the United States carrying a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand, an injury that forced him to miss recent friendlies and several training sessions. However, Martínez has recovered in time and is expected to start between the posts.

At right-back, Gonzalo Montiel currently has a slight advantage over Nahuel Molina after both players managed muscle problems during their preseason preparations. Scaloni could still rotate the pair during the match depending on the game's demands.

Cristian Romero is another welcome boost after recovering from the ligament injury that sidelined him at the end of last season. The Tottenham defender is certain to start, but the identity of his partner remains unclear.

Lisandro Martínez has been confirmed in the lineup, although his exact role is still under discussion. If the Manchester United defender is deployed at left-back, veteran Nicolas Otamendi will slot into central defence alongside Romero. Should Lisandro remain in his preferred centre-back position, Facundo Medina is likely to fill the void on the left side of defence.

The absence of Nicolas Tagliafico, who suffered a calf tear, has complicated Scaloni's plans and contributed to the tactical uncertainty.

In midfield, however, there are no major doubts. Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to form Argentina's trusted trio, providing energy, creativity and control. Thiago Almada is likely to occupy the advanced midfield role vacated following Angel Di Maria's departure from the national team setup.

Up front, captain Lionel Messi will once again lead Argentina's attack alongside Lautaro Martínez, who arrives in excellent form after another impressive club season. Julian Alvarez has recovered from an ankle injury and is expected to provide an option from the bench.

Although Scaloni has explored different systems in training, the more familiar 4-4-2, with a diamond midfield with Messi at the tip -- resembling a more of a 4-3-1-2 -- appears the most likely choice as Argentina look to begin their title defence with a winning start against Algeria.

Argentina’s probably starting lineup vs Algeria:

Emi Martinez; Montiel, Romero, Otamendi, Medina; De Paul, Enzo, Mac Allister; Messi, Lautaro, Almada

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