Argentina get their World Cup defence underway against Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday night.
Three and a half years after Lionel Messi guided Argentina to a glorious third World Cup triumph in Qatar, the South American side begin their 2026 tournament as the top-seeded favourites in Group J.
Lionel Scaloni’s men topped South American qualifying with 12 wins from 18 games and also won the 2024 Copa America, while their opponents in this Group J opener qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2014 as winners of CAF Group G.
Having reached the quarter-finals at last year’s Afcon - and with vivid memories of the round of 16 in their last appearance at this tournament - Vladimir Petkovic’s side are certainly a dark horse to look out for in this group.
Follow live updates from the Group J clash with our liveblog below:
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Argentina vs Algeria | World Cup LIVE
- Live coverage of Group J opener between Argentina and Algeria | Live on ITV1
- 60' GOAL! Messi reacts quickest to score tap in (ARG 2-0 ALG)
- 17' GOAL! Messi rockets Argentina into the lead (ARG 1-0 ALG)
- 8' DISALLOWED GOAL! Chaibi thinks he's put Algeria ahead but the goal is ruled out (ARG 0-0 ALG)
- 5' DISALLOWED GOAL! Messi strays offside before slotting home (ARG 0-0 ALG)
- Lionel Messi's reigning champions begin World Cup title defence
- Algeria make first World Cup appearance in 12 years
Argentina 2-0 Algeria
03:32 , Mike Jones69 mins: The second goal has put the game to bed. Algeria haven’t showed enough that they can score twice against this Argentinian side.
They need to stem the momentum that is firmly with the World Champions.
Argentina 2-0 Algeria
03:29 , Mike Jones66 mins: Denied!
Messi has never scored a World Cup hat-trick but he senses that he could get one today.
Mac Allister slips him and he holds off his marker before rattling a shot at goal and forcing a save out of Zidane!
GOAL! Argentina 2-0 Algeria (Lionel Messi, 60')
03:25 , Mike JonesAnother one!
There’s some fortune for Messi here. He plays a pass down the line then drifts into the box as the ball comes across to Alexis Mac Allister.
The midfielder gets hold of a fine shot from range and forces Zidane to palm the ball into the middle of the box.
Messi reacts the quickest and collects the ball before turning it home!
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
03:21 , Mike Jones57 mins: Ibrahim Maza works into some space on the left edge of the box and finds the chance to shoot.
His effort doesn’t get past the first defender but Algeria are making moves. They’re build a bit of momentum here.
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
03:17 , Mike Jones54 mins: Save!
A great run from Lautaro Martinez sees the striker sprint in behind as Messi sends the ball through to him.
He gets his shot away but Zidane drops low and palms away the effort.
Good save from the Algerian goalkeeper.
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
03:14 , Mike Jones51 mins: Close!
With Algeria determined to go forward there is space for Argentina.
The sweep forward on the right and play the ball inside to Messi. He loets it run onto his left foot and drills a shot just over the crossbar!
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
03:11 , Mike Jones48 mins: Argentina have made a switch at the break with Nahuel Molina coming on at right-back to replace Gonzalo Montiel.
Algeria look to start quickly and fizz a cross into the box from the left. Cristian Romero leaps highest to head it clear.
Second half! Argentina 1-0 Algeria
03:09 , Mike JonesAlgeria get the match back underway.
Why England are finally ready to deliver on their World Cup destiny
03:04 , Mike JonesFor some of the more superstitious England players, the timing was telling. The first night at their boutique Kansas City base coincided with game five of the NBA finals.
A ferocious storm was whirling amid tornado warnings, with Scotland’s 1-0 win over Haiti also attracting attention, but a few of them made sure to be in place for tip-off.
Why England are finally ready to deliver on their World Cup destiny
How Kylian Mbappe inspired France’s devastating win over Senegal – and broke records on the way
03:00 , Mike JonesNow Kylian Mbappe has accelerated past Pele. Just Fontaine and Olivier Giroud, too. A record-breaking goal in French history came during a landmark brace in World Cups. More immediately, though, it gave France and Mbappe a winning start. His quest to play in a third World Cup final at just 27 is up and running.
How Mbappe inspired France’s devastating win over Senegal
Around the World Cup
02:56 , Mike JonesErling Haaland opened his World Cup account with a brace on his tournament debut as Norway rolled past Iraq 4-1 in Boston.
Norway, appearing in the tournament for the first time in 28 years, took the lead after 29 minutes as Sander Berge played David Moller Wolfe in on the left of the penalty area and his low cross was turned in at the back post by Haaland.
Erling Haaland scores twice on World Cup debut as Norway hammer Iraq
Half-time! Argentina 1-0 Algeria
02:52 , Mike Jones45+4 mins: Algeria have a few moments of joy in and around the Argentine box just on the stroke of half-time but they are unable to get a good shot at Emi Martinez.
The whistle goes to end the first half. As things stand, Algeria remain in the game. They can overcome a one goal deficit.
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
02:48 , Mike Jones45 mins: Four minutes to play at the end of the first half in Kansas.
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
02:47 , Mike Jones43 mins: Chaibi has been a bright spark for Algeria. He’s basically had all of the chances for them and takes another shot from range.
This one continues to rise and sails over the top but as long as he receives the ball the African team remain in the contest.
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
02:43 , Mike Jones40 mins: Closing in on the end of the first half with Algeria probing down the right.
The ball is flicked over the top and slipped round the corner by Nabil Bentaleb.
His pass finds Chaibi who turns it towards goal but is denied by Martinez in goal.
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
02:42 , Mike Jones37 mins: Messi’s goal is still the difference between the teams.
It is also an important one as Messi has become the first Argentine to score in five consecutive World Cup matches.
That is, of course, spread across the last two tournaments. Messi also has 14 World Cup goals now and is just three away from the overall record.
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
02:36 , Mike Jones32 mins: This is better from Algeria. They’ve found a bit more possession and are keeping the ball better.
Argentina can burst into life at any moment though so they need to remain switched on.
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
02:31 , Mike Jones27 mins: The game pauses for the first hydration break and Algeria need to regroup.
If they can get themselves back into the match then Argentina will need to respond.
As it stands though, Messi and co. look comfortable.
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
02:26 , Mike Jones23 mins: It’s all Argentina now. Algeria have dropped off in an attempt to shore up the defence.
They won’t be able to maintain this for long as Argentina will come at them repeatedly but for now the African side are taking a sting out of the game.
Argentina 1-0 Algeria
02:25 , Mike Jones20 mins: Algeria have it all to do now.
Argentina will take confidence from that goal and they’ll want more.
Messi already looks lively near the goal and there’s some slick passing coming from the South American side.
GOAL! Argentina 1-0 Algeria (Lionel Messi, 17')
02:21 , Mike JonesWow!
It had to be him.
And what a goal.
Messi receives the ball with a threaded pass through the centre of the pitch. He spins and drives up to the box.
The Algerian defenders drop off him and he lets loose with a curling left-footed strike that beats Luca Zidane for power and finishes in the top right corner!
Argentina 0-0 Algeria
02:18 , Mike Jones14 mins: Argentina have just dropped off slightly to give themselves more defensive cover.
Messi tries to get them forward with a tricky run down the right. He doesn’t have the same pace he used to but his footwork is still fabulous and Algeria need three defenders to guide the ball out for a throw in.
Argentina 0-0 Algeria
02:15 , Mike Jones11 mins: A quick start to this match with both sides striking at the other only to have their goals chalked off.
Algeria have shown they can get at Argentina so they’ll take heart from Chaibi’s goal even though it won’t count.
Argentina 0-0 Algeria
02:12 , Mike Jones8 mins: Disallowed!
Algeria strike next after a fine sweeping pass out to the left side of the pitch where Fares Chaibi collects the ball.
He drives inside and beats Emi Martinez at the near post. The Algerian fans go wild but they’re left disappointed as Chaibi is judged offside as well.
The goal doesn’t stand.
Argentina 0-0 Algeria
02:10 , Mike Jones5 mins: Messi!
Almost a wonder start for the 38-year-old as he’s fed into the right side of the box and slots it past Zidane only for the offside flag to go up and cut short the celebrations.
Argentina 0-0 Algeria
02:07 , Mike Jones3 mins: Close!
Not surprisingly the first chance of the game falls to Argentina. Facundo Medina gets forward and finds enough space to swing in a cross which lands on the head of Lautaro Martinez.
He turns the ball towards goal and into the hands of Luca Zidane just as the offside flag goes up.
Kick off! Argentina 0-0 Algeria
02:03 , Mike JonesThe world champions get the ball rolling and their World Cup campaign underway in Kansas.
This is the first competitive meeting between the teams but who will come out on top?
Argentina vs Algeria
01:54 , Mike JonesThe teams make their way out onto the pitch and huddle around the centre circle for the national anthems.
Leo Messi is attempting to secure his legacy as Argentina’s greatest player and will achieve that by lifting a second World Cup.
Can the world champions defend their title?
Will Messi play against Algeria?
01:50 , Mike Jones“Everyone wants to see Messi on the field, playing,” Scaloni said.
“He excites everyone, not just Argentinians.
“From my part, it’ll always be like that. I don’t see anything negative. He’s been in different conditions and has always been here.
“He’s always been monumental for us, and now he will be even more. I see him well.”
Argentina’s bid for World Cup immortality is the end of an era
01:40 , Chris WilsonOnly two nations have ever won the World Cup twice in a row. Italy did it early – winning in 1934 and then in 1938 – while Brazil’s generation of Pele, Garrincha and co. repeated the feat in 1962.
In the modern era, it has so far proved impossible, though a few teams have come close. Brazil were soundly beaten in 1998, Argentina lost in 1990, and France were vanquished in 2022.
Argentina’s bid for World Cup immortality is the end of an era
Can Argentina repeat their 2022 triumph?
01:30 , Mike Jones“What happened back in Qatar was just amazing. The whole country united,” recalled Nicolas Otamendi.
“We have that engraved in our minds, and it's just injected us with the strength to keep trying. There's no relaxing.
“We need to keep working with that level of humility that is required in these types of competitions.”
How Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can still define World Cup 2026 despite their waning powers
01:20 , Miguel DelaneyOn 11 July in Kansas City, there’s a fixture that many at the top of Fifa are already giddy about. Barron Trump is even said to have noted it.
Right now it’s just the quarter-final between the winners of matches 95 and 96, but it could well become the first World Cup meeting between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
How Messi and Ronaldo can still define World Cup 2026 despite their waning powers
First game 'not fundamental' for Argentina
01:10 , Mike JonesArgentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni knows how to win a World Cup having led the team to victory in 2022.
In that tournament, Argentina lost their opening match 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in a surprise result.
As such Scaloni says he is calm about his team’s opening match this evening.
“Calm because it’s just a game of football,” he said of his team’s frame of mind.
“We have the experience of the last World Cup. The first game is not fundamental. It’s important, but it doesn’t end with the first game.
“We are good, we are calm. We are facing a good team with good players. But we are calm, we are arriving at a good moment.”
Why England are finally ready to deliver on their World Cup destiny
01:00 , Miguel DelaneyAs we approach to start of Argentina’s World Cup campaign here’s a look at the state England are in and whether it is feasible that they can actually win the tournament.
The Independent’s Chief Football Writer, Miguel Delaney, breaks it all down here:
Why England are finally ready to deliver on their World Cup destiny
Algeria's starting XI
Wednesday 17 June 2026 00:52 , Mike JonesAlgeria XI: Zidane; Mandi, Ait-Nouri, Belghali, Bensebani; Chaibi, Boudaoui, Bentaleb, Maza; Gouiri, Hadj Moussa
Messi's longevity
Wednesday 17 June 2026 00:50 , Mike JonesNot only does he head his country’s World Cup appearance table, but Leo Messi has more outings in the competition than any other player of any nationality.
Messi has 26 World Cup appearances across five tournaments: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
He will also appear in a record-breaking sixth World Cup when taking to the field against Algeria.
Argentina starting XI
Wednesday 17 June 2026 00:50 , Mike JonesArgentina XI: Martinez; Montiel, Li. Martinez, Romero, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, Almada, La. Martinez
How Algeria reached the World Cup
Wednesday 17 June 2026 00:40 , Mike JonesAlgeria are back in the World Cup for the first time in 12 years.
They sealed their return to the global showpiece by finishing top of Group G in CAF qualifying, winning eight of their 10 games.
Mohamed Amoura outscored everyone else in the continent with 10 goals through qualifying and will hope to continue that form in this tournament.
One to watch from Algeria
Wednesday 17 June 2026 00:30 , Mike JonesIbrahim Maza, Bayer Leverkusen
20-year-old Maza impressed at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and could be set for a career-making performance at this World Cup.
An attacking midfielder for Leverkusen, he has been compared to Florian Wirtz, and his maturity and intelligence on and off the ball, plus his physical prowess - particularly in withstanding challenges - make him a major talent to watch.
Algeria's star player
Wednesday 17 June 2026 00:20 , Flo CliffordStar player – Riyadh Mahrez, Al-Ahli: At 35 former Manchester City star Mahrez may not be quite in his prime - he no longer plays for the full 90 - but he remains a key force in this side.
The team captain has more than 100 international caps and is an experienced presence in the heart of the team, a role model for the youngsters coming through, as well as a playmaker still capable of moments of magic.
Now playing for Saudi side Al-Ahli he scored four goals and registered eight assists in 27 matches this season.
Algeria guide
Wednesday 17 June 2026 00:10 , Flo CliffordAlgeria arrive in the US having enjoyed a confidence boost at the Africa Cup of Nations, where they reached the quarter-finals, and qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2014 as winners of CAF Group G.
They reached the round of 16 in their last appearance at the tournament so are certainly a dark horse to look out for in this group, but their build-up to the tournament has been patchy - a friendly win over the Netherlands was a great warm-up, but their qualifying was straightforward, with the likes of Guinea and Mozambique not hugely threatening.
Vladimir Petkovic has been known to experiment with different formations, with the hallmark of each being an intense press and fluid style of play, dominating possession, so it will be intriguing to see how they come up against similarly high-pressing sides like Austria, and how they cope against Jordan’s counter-attackers.
Argentina's one to watch
Wednesday 17 June 2026 00:00 , Mike JonesFranco Mastantuono, Real Madrid
The 18-year-old winger has become a force to be reckoned with at the Spanish giants, becoming their youngest player to appear in the Champions League, and has matched that for his national side, becoming the youngest player to ever feature for the senior squad aged 17 years, 9 months and 22 days in 2025.
Argentina's star player
Tuesday 16 June 2026 23:50 , Flo CliffordStar player – Lionel Messi, Inter Miami: It hardly needs to be said. Despite his advanced years, the 38-year-old remains the focal point and talisman for this side, having finished as top scorer in South American qualifying for the tournament with eight goals. He may not be as quick as he once was but his class remains the same.
Argentina guide
Tuesday 16 June 2026 23:40 , Flo CliffordRanked second in the world, Argentina arrive in the US once again among the favourites to lift the trophy and become the first nation to defend their title since Brazil in 1962. The three-time winners have a talented squad with 17 of the 2022 champions returning, such as Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, while their experience will be complemented by a raft of talented youngsters coming through.
They qualified for the World Cup in top spot from South American qualifying, with a goal difference of 21 and nine-point advantage over second-placed Ecuador. Coach Lionel Scaloni is not wedded to a specific formation but has given a strong midfield licence to dictate play, while the side’s many stars means there are multiple creative outlets.
Predicted line-ups
Tuesday 16 June 2026 23:30 , Flo CliffordArgentina XI: Emiliano Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, Alvarez
Algeria XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Chergui, Ait-Nouri; Bentaleb, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Maza, Amoura; Gouiri
Team news
Tuesday 16 June 2026 23:20 , Flo CliffordArgentina left back Nicolas Tagliafico has been ruled out of this match after straining his calf in a warm-up game against Honduras, but Leandro Paredes and Nico Gonzalez are both close to full fitness after muscular problems.
Algeria’s Ramy Bensebaini, who can play left back or centre back, is out with an ankle injury. Otherwise, the underdogs have a full bill of health.
How can I watch it?
Tuesday 16 June 2026 23:10 , Flo CliffordViewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on ITV 1, ITV X, STV and STV Player with coverage starting at 1:15am BST. It can also be live streamed on ITVX.
When is Argentina v Algeria?
Tuesday 16 June 2026 23:05 , Flo CliffordArgentina face Algeria at 2am BST on Wednesday 17 June (8pm CT, Tuesday 17 June) at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
Welcome
Tuesday 16 June 2026 23:00 , Flo CliffordHello and welcome to live coverage of Argentina vs Algeria.
The reigning champions get their World Cup title defence underway against one of two teams likely to battle for the second qualifying spot in Group J.
But several of the top teams, including Spain, have struggled in their opening encounters, so anything is possible...
Kick-off is at 2am BST, and we’ll have build-up, team news, and latest updates right here.
