Lionel Messi and Argentina face Algeria in Group J at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with defending champion Argentina beginning its title defense against an Algeria side making its first World Cup appearance since 2014.
MORE: FIFA World Cup 2026 power rankings
How to Watch Argentina vs Algeria
- Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
- Time: 9 PM ET
- Channel: FOX, FOX 4K
- Stream: Fubo (try for free)
The match is being played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, with kickoff scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 16. Argentina topped CONMEBOL qualifying by a comfortable margin and enters the tournament as one of the favorites to win the World Cup again. Lionel Messi, set to play in a record sixth World Cup, is expected to lead an experienced squad that also features stars such as Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Enzo Fernández.
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Algeria returns to the World Cup after missing the last two editions and arrives with plenty of confidence under coach Vladimir Petković. Led by captain Riyad Mahrez and an attack that impressed during qualification, the Fennec Foxes believe they can challenge for a knockout-round spot alongside Argentina, Austria, and Jordan in Group J.
For Argentina, the biggest storyline is avoiding the kind of opening-match stumble it experienced against Saudi Arabia in 2022, before ultimately winning the tournament. Coach Lionel Scaloni has stressed respect for Algeria and warned against complacency despite Argentina’s status as heavy favorites.
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Ben Verbrugge
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