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Argentina vs. Algeria LIVE: World Cup 2026 updates as Messi gives champions the lead
ESPN • • general
Key Points:
- Argentina will begin their FIFA World Cup title defense against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with live coverage available on ESPN.
- Lionel Messi and Argentina have been in excellent form, aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cup titles.
- Algeria returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, having secured notable friendly wins but facing criticism for their recent AFCON quarterfinal exit.
- Argentina topped CONMEBOL qualification convincingly and won all seven friendlies leading up to the tournament, while Algeria seeks to improve on their previous Round-of-16 finish.
- Group J includes Austria and Jordan, with Argentina favored to lead the group, but Algeria's key players like Riyad Mahrez and Ibrahim Maza pose a potential challenge.
