Saturday Jun 06, 2026. 12:00
At their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance, Algeria will come up against Argentina, Jordan and Austria in Group J matches on June 17, 23 and 28 respectively.
Here is a closer look at their head-to-head record against their upcoming opponents:
Algeria v Argentina
Matches played 1
Algeria wins 0
Argentina wins 1
Draws 0
Last (only) meeting: 5 June 2007, Argentina 4-3 Algeria, International Friendly
The only previous meeting between Algeria and Argentina was an absolute banger, with the South Americans winning 4-3 in an International Friendly played at FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou in June 2007. La Albiceleste’s scorers were Carlos Tevez, Esteban Cambiasso and a young Lionel Messi (two goals), who was just beginning to show glimpses of the genius that would enthral football lovers around the world for the next decade and a half – culminating in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. Algeria’s star on the day was Nadir Belhadj, who provided an assist for Anthar Yahia before scoring two free kick goals.
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Algeria v Jordan
Matches played 1
Algeria wins 0
Jordan wins 0
Draws 1
Last (only) meeting: 30 May 2004, Algeria 1-1 Jordan, International Friendly
Algeria and Jordan have met in just one recognized match, an International Friendly in May 2004 in Annaba which ended 1-1. The Asian side claimed the lead via Mahmoud Shelbaieh early in the clash, but the Greens struck back through Abdelmalek Cherrad.
The teams have also met in two unrecognised Arab Cup matches, with Algeria winning 6-0 in October 1974, and Jordan claiming a 2-1 triumph in July 1988.
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Algeria v Austria
Matches played 1
Algeria wins 0
Austria wins 1
Draws 0
Last (only) meeting: 21 June 1982, Algeria 0-2 Austria, World Cup, group stage
Algeria’s big grudge match at the 2026 World Cup will be against Austria. Not so much for the teams’ only previous meeting – a 1982 World Cup group stage clash which the Europeans won 2-0 in Oviedo – but rather for what followed in that tournament in Spain.
‘The Disgrace of Gijon’ saw Germany and Austria collude in their final group match to produce the exact result needed to eliminate the Greens, who had already completed their third and final match by the time the former teams met. This incident is the reason why FIFA changed the rules to ensure that final group matches are played simultaneously to prevent teams playing to a known result.