Argentina open their defence of the World Cup crown they won in Qatar four years ago tonight when they take on Algeria in Kansas City.Lionel Scalonis men backed up their global success with another Copa America victory in 2024 and start this tournament as one of the favourites, although their challenge could depend on whether Lionel Messi has fully overcome the muscle fatigue that has blighted his build-up. Recommended offer Review Bet �10 Get �30 in Free Bets Get Offer 18+GambleAware.orgFor New Customers. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Algeria, meanwhile, are making their first World Cup appearance since 2014 after an impressive qualification campaign. Vladimir Petkovics side topped their CAF qualifying group and have shown encouraging form in recent months, recording victories over the Netherlands and Bolivia while conceding only twice across their last six matches.The Fennec Foxes possess plenty of attacking quality through Riyad Mahrez, Mohammed Amoura and Amine Gouiri, and they will view this fixture as an opportunity to prove they can compete with one of the tournament favourites.Table of ContentsWhere to watch Argentina v Algeria: TV channel, live online streamsWorld Cup 2026: Argentina v Algeria statsResponsible GamblingWhere to watch Argentina v Algeria: TV channel, live online streamsKick-off on Wednesday is at 02:00 BST (21:00 ET on Tuesday / 18:00 PT on Tuesday). In the UK, live coverage is on ITV1.Fans can stream the action on a vast range of devices through theITVXapp.World Cup 2026: Argentina v Algeria statsOnly Brazil (5) and Germany and Italy (4 each) have won the World Cup more often than Argentina (3), with no nation lifting the trophy on as many occasions as La Albiceleste since their first triumph in 1978Argentina could become the third team to win back-to-back titles, after Italy (1934-1938) and Brazil (1958-1962)They have qualified for their 19th World Cup, with this their 14th participation in a row as part of the third-longest current run, after Brazil (23) and Germany (19)The only occasion when Argentina failed to advance from the group stage across their last 14 World Cup appearances was in 2002 under Marcelo BielsaLionel Messi holds the all-time record for most World Cup appearances, with 26 matches played(13 goals, 8 assists). In 2022, he scored or assisted 10 of Argentinas 15 goals (7 goals, 3 assists)Lionel Scaloni is the only Argentina head coach to win both the World Cup (2022) and theCopa America (2021, 2024), as well as being the first to lead Argentina at two consecutive World Cup tournaments since Carlos Bilardo, who won the competition in 1986 and finished as runner-up in 1990This is Algerias fifth appearance at the finals and their first since 2014, with the World Cup in Brazil representing the only time they have progressed past the first roundAlgeria won two of their first three matches at the World Cup in 1982 but have been victorious in one of their 10 such matches since then, beating Korea Republic 4-2 in the group stage in 2014They have recorded one clean sheet in their 13 World Cup matches, sharing a 0-0 draw with England in 2010With eight wins in qualifying, Algeria achieved their highest such tally in a single campaign, surpassing their seven victories in 2010Mohammed Amoura was the top scorer in African qualifying, netting 10 goals in 10 matches and being involved in 58% of Algerias goals, scoring 10 and assisting four of their 24Vladimir Petkovic previously led Switzerland to the round of 16 in 2018 and is the second Bosnian to take charge of Algeria at a World Cup, after Vahid Halilhodzic in 2014Responsible GamblingGambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)GamCare:www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware:gambleaware.orgGamStop:www.gamstop.co.uk(free self-exclusion service)Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Topics Algeria national football team Argentina National Football Team Lionel Messi Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Argentina v Algeria: Confirmed team news as Lionel Messi starts for World Cup opener Jon Fisher 17th June, 2026 Lionel Messi: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full Argentina squad Ben Miller 16th June, 2026 Argentina v Algeria: World Cup 2026 line-ups, stats and preview, TV channel, live online stream to watch Lionel Messi, prediction Mitch Fretton 16th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full list of confirmed teams, fixtures, groups and results Ben Miller 16th June, 2026 Argentina boss Scaloni excited to have Lionel Messi fit and ready for World Cup opener: He looks good Jon Fisher 15th June, 2026 Four years on, can Lionel Messi drag Argentina to another World Cup title? Mitch Fretton 13th June, 2026
