Messi, Argentina begin World Cup title defence against Algeria: All to know

Lionel Messi, appearing in his sixth FIFA World Cup, leads defending champions Argentina into their opening Group J match against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 8pm local time (01:00 GMT Wednesday). Argentina enter the tournament as title holders, and this match marks their first fixture of the 2026 World Cup. The game is part of the FIFA World Cup 2026 being hosted in the United States.