2026 World Cup: Argentina clinch seventh straight win over African opposition

16.06.26 FT World Cup

Argentina

3

:

Algeria

0

Argentina sent a resounding message to their rivals by dominating Algeria 3-0 in their opening match at the World Cup. La Albiceleste are clearly determined to defend the title they claimed in Qatar in 2022.

With a sensational hat-trick, Lionel Messi left Luka Zidane and the Fennecs with no chance. He was unstoppable in this first Group J showdown.

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This victory marks Argentina's seventh win against African opposition in the biggest tournament in world football. Lionel Scaloni's men have already beaten Nigeria five times – in 1994, 2002, 2010, 2018, and 2022. They also tamed Ivory Coast in 2006.

The Argentines are determined to go deep into the tournament, with two group matches remaining against Jordan and Austria, as they look to defend the crown they lifted four years ago in Qatar.

Here are Argentina's last seven victories over African teams in the World Cup:

Argentina 2–1 Nigeria (1994)

Argentina 1–0 Nigeria (2002)

Argentina 1–0 Ivory Coast (2006)

Argentina 1–0 Nigeria (2010)

Argentina 3–2 Nigeria (2014)

Argentina 2–1 Nigeria (2018)

Argentina 3–0 Algeria (2026)

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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