The 2022 World Cup champion’s title defense begins now.
After winning its third title (and first in the 21st century) during the last world cup, Argentina will look to maintain its No. 1 ranking and take home another trophy this year. In the process, the team will make history.
Argentinian forward Lionel Messi will become the first player to ever play in six World Cups when he takes the pitch in today’s game against Algeria. Despite injury concerns, Messi is reportedly available to play in tonight’s tilt.
Algeria is returning to the World Cup this year after missing two consecutive tournaments. The team is arriving in excellent form, having scored the second-most goals of all African sides during the qualifying period (24).
Argentina vs. Algeria: what to know
- What: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group stage
- When: June 16, 9 p.m. ET
- Where: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)
- Channel: FOX (English), Telemundo (Spanish)
- Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)
Here’s everything you need to know about Argentina’s first match of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina vs. Algeria time
Tonight’s (June 16) Argentina vs. Algeria match is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. ET.
How to watch Argentina vs. Algeria for free
If you don’t have cable or an antenna, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the World Cup for free.
DIRECTV is our favorite service for watching sports live for free. Right now, you can take advantage of a five-day free trial before saving $30 on your first month. We recommend the Choice plan, which includes FOX, FS1 and Telemundo as part of its 125+ channels.
More coverage on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Argentina World Cup schedule
| Date and time | Opponent | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| June 16, 9 p.m. ET | Algeria (World Cup – Group J) | FOX |
| June 22, 1 p.m. ET | Austria (World Cup – Group J) | FOX |
| June 27, 10 p.m. ET | Jordan (World Cup – Group J) | FOX |
Algeria World Cup schedule
| Date and time | Opponent | TV channel |
|---|---|---|
| June 16, 3 p.m. ET | Argentina (World Cup – Group J) | FOX |
| June 22, 11 p.m. ET | Jordan (World Cup – Group J) | FS1 |
| June 27, 10 p.m. ET | Austria (World Cup – Group J) | FS1 |
Argentina World Cup roster
Goalkeepers:
- Juan Musso
- Gerónimo Rulli
- Emiliano Martínez
Defenders:
- Nicolás Tagliafico
- Gonzalo Montiel
- Lisandro Martínez
- Cristian Romero
- Nicolás Otamendi
- Facundo Medina
- Nahuel Molina
Midfielders:
- Lenandro Parades
- Rodrigo De Paul
- Valentín Barco
- Giovani Lo Celso
- Exequiel Palacios
- Thiago Almada
- Alexis Mac Allister
- Enzo Fernández
Forwards:
- Julián Álvarez
- Lionel Messi (captain)
- Nico González
- Giuliano Simeone
- Nico Paz
- José Manuel López
- Lautaro Martínez
Algeria World Cup roster
Goalkeepers:
- Melvin Mastil
- Oussama Benbot
- Luca Zidane
Defenders:
- Aïssa Mandi
- Achraf Abada
- Mohamed Amine Tougai
- Zineddine Belaïd
- Jaouen Hadjam
- Rayan Aït-Nouri
- Rafik Balghali
- Ramy Bensebaini
- Samir Chergui
Midfielders:
- Ramiz Zerrouki
- Houssem Aouar
- Farés Chaïbi
- Hicham Boudaoui
- Nabil Bentaleb
- Ibrahim Maza
- Yassine Titraoui
Forwards:
- Riyad Mahrez (captain)
- Amine Gouiri
- Anis Hadj Moussa
- Nadhir Benbouali
- Mohamed Amoura
- Adil Boulbina
- Farès Ghedjemis
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.