Araujo injury scare after Uruguay friendly, Algeria set for Argentina opener

Araujo haunted by World Cup injury nightmare after Uruguay friendly with Algeria

Ronald Araujo says "all the ghosts of the last World Cup came flooding back" after suffering a minor calf injury during Uruguay training. The Barcelona defender was speaking about the setback that followed Uruguay's recent 0–0 friendly draw with Algeria. "I have a minor calf injury, and it happened during training. I don't think it was due to the intensity of the training sessions because we have it very well controlled," Araujo said. (3)

Araujo missed the 2022 World Cup through injury and the psychological weight of that absence is clearly still with him. For Algeria fans, the relevant part is that your team just held Uruguay – a side featuring this calibre of defender – to a clean sheet.

Argentina await in your World Cup opener

Algeria face Argentina in their first match of the 2026 World Cup. The game is your entry into the tournament, and it is the kind of fixture that sets the tone for everything that follows. Argentina's squad quality is obvious, but Algeria's recent showing against Uruguay suggests this group has the defensive discipline to frustrate elite opponents. (1)

Messi gets minutes in before meeting you

Lionel Messi played in Argentina's friendly against Iceland, registering an assist and a goal as he builds match sharpness. He is clearly being managed carefully for the World Cup – and your opener against Argentina is where that planning is aimed. He will be ready. (2)

Fan reactions

Algeria supporters on Reddit are already deep in pre-tournament debate, with one fan asking the broader World Cup community about the Fennecs' biggest rivalries and what fuels them. The discussion points to a fanbase that knows its history and is eager to see this team write a new chapter. Join the conversation.