How to watch Argentina v Algeria, team news, predicted line-ups and more

The reigning world champions get their title defence started when they take on Algeria in their opening World Cup group game.

Lionel Messi will be competing in his sixth and most likely final World Cup, having led his side to the trophy back in 2022 in Qatar.

But they face an Algeria side with some top class talent at their disposal.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game in Kansas City.

Kick-off time in the UK

2am, Wednesday June 17

How to watch in the UK

TV channel: ITV 1

Streaming: ITVX

Team news

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni says Messi, Emi Martinez and Julian Alvarez are all expected to be available for the opening game after shaking off injury concerns.

Predicted line-ups

Argentina (4-4-2): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Simeone; Messi, Martinez

Algeria (3-4-3): Zidane; Mandi, Belaid, Bensebaini; Belghali, Boudaoui, Bentaleb, Ait-Nouri; Mahrez, Gouiri, Maza

Recent form

Argentina won their two warm-up friendlies, beating Honduras 2-0 and then Iceland 3-0.

Algeria also had a successful build up to the tournament, pulling off a surprise 1-0 win over the Netherlands before thrashing Bolivia 4-0.

What’s been said?

Argentina boss Scaloni: “We are good, we are calm. We are facing a good team with good players. But we are calm, we are arriving at a good moment.”

Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic on how to stop Lionel Messi: “It’s pointless to prepare your team for one individual player. We need a Plan A for how we play and a Plan B for how we react in certain situations.”