Why Is Julian Alvarez Not Playing Tonight for Argentina vs Algeria at the World Cup?

Argentina will be playing its first match of the 2026 World Cup against Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium. Argentina will look to defend its world title after winning it in the 2022 World Cup.

Argentina will be playing with most of the players who won the 2022 World Cup, including Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister. A player who won the 2022 World Cup but is not in the starting lineup against Algeria is Julian Alvarez.

Alvarez is part of the Argentina World Cup roster for the 2026 World Cup and is considered the first-choice striker of the squad.

For tonight's match against Algeria, Lautaro Martinez will start for Argentina, with Lionel Messi and Thiago Almada alongside him in the attack.

Is Julian Alvarez Injured?

Julian Alvares is not injured and is available to play the match tonight against Algeria. Alvarez had an ankle injury that concerned fans about whether he would be ready for the World Cup.

Alvarez was not available for the friendly match against Honduras but was on the bench against Iceland last week. Alvarez is on the bench against Algeria today for Argentina's first 2026 World Cup match.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Alvarez is available for the match a day before.

Scaloni said, "Julián Alvarez had an ankle issue, but his recovery has paid off, and he is available for tomorrow."

In the 2022 World Cup, Alvarez scored four goals in seven matches played.

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This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 8:49 PM.