liveUpdated 4m agoFollow live updates as Argentina begin their World Cup defence in Group J today.The Athletic Live TeamJune 16, 2026 at 1:10 PM EDTLionel Messi plays his first 2026 World Cup match today GettyArgentina vs Algeria — LatestArgentina begin their World Cup title defence today as they face Algeria in Kansas City. Lionel Scaloni’s side are looking to become the first back-to-back winners in more than 60 years, while at 38, Lionel Messi is set to appear at the tournament for the sixth time. Meanwhile, Algeria are hoping to reach the knockouts for only the second time — in a group that also includes Austria and Jordan. Kick-off: 9pm ET, 6pm PTHow to watch: FOX, Fubo (try for free)Share your thoughts in the Discuss tab or by emailing live@theathletic.com.Subscribe to The Athletic The AthleticThere is no better time to be a subscriber to The Athletic for all the sporting insight, analysis and live coverage you need during the World Cup and beyond.As well as the ongoing tournament in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, you can get your soccer fix with us for the rest of the year with our Champions League and Premier League coverage, plus Europe’s top leagues.Meanwhile, the Formula 1 season is in full swing plus we have golf, tennis and more on the cards.Subscribe to The Athletic on an exclusive offer here.How to watch Argentina vs Algeria Getty ImagesAs well as following our live coverage of today’s game here, you can watch it on the below channels. U.S.: Fox SportsCanada: TSNAustralia: SBSArgentina: Television PublicaAlgeria: ENTV, BeIN SportsUK: ITVWhat time is kick-off? Getty ImagesToday’s match will get underway at 8pm local time in Kansas City, which is 9pm ET and 6pm PT on the east and west coasts of the United States. Across the Atlantic, it will be 2am in the UK and 3am CET. Welcome to Argentina vs Algeria! Getty ImagesHello and thank you for joining us here at The Athletic for our live coverage of Argentina vs Algeria at the 2026 World Cup.The champions are in action for the first time this tournament, up against an Algeria side returning to the World Cup after a 12-year hiatus. Can Argentina go back-to-back? How crucial will Lionel Messi be for them? We’ll answer those questions and more ahead of kick-off in Kansas City later today.