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Messi, Argentina begin World Cup title defence against Algeria: All to know

Argentina vs Algeria](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Argentina-vs-Algeria-1781569920.png?w=769&resize=769%2C769&quality=80) *You can follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated [FIFA World Cup 2026](/fifa-world-cup-2026) page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary

Argentina World Cup 2026 preview: Players to watch, group matches and squad

times ⚽ June 16: Argentina vs Algeria (Kansas City, Missouri), 9pm ET (01:00 GMT on June 17) ⚽ June 22: Argentina vs Austria (Arlington, Texas), 1pm ET (17:00 GMT) ⚽ June 27: Jordan vs Argentina (Arlington

World Cup 2026: What are the key dates from the opening match to the final?

Algeria, Austria vs Jordan – Argentina begin their title defence, and Lionel Messi starts his sixth World Cup campaign; Jordan play their first World Cup match - **June 17**: Portugal vs Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uzbekistan

Which World Cup 2026 stadiums will host matches in US, Canada and Mexico?

Argentina vs Algeria (9 pm ET/01:00 GMT next day) ⚽ 20/06: Ecuador vs Curacao (8 pm ET/00:00 GMT next day) ⚽ 25/06: Tunisia vs Netherlands (7 pm ET/23:00 GMT) ⚽ 27/06: Algeria vs Austria

Are Ronaldo, Messi still the largest World Cup draws, or is Mbappe bigger?

Algeria: ~$700-$2,300 - Argentina vs Jordan: ~$1,000-$6,400 - France vs Senegal ~$750-$2,400 - France vs Iraq ~$480-$3,100 - France vs Norway ~ $850-$2,500 - Portugal vs DR Congo

The World Cup is starting. Here's what to know and how to watch

2026 FIFA World Cup in North America kick off Thursday with Mexico vs. South Africa and South Korea vs. Czech Republic. The first game for the United States will be against Paraguay on Friday

World Cup: Can Senegal stun France again? Predictions, schedule on Day 6

time. Algeria were given a 13.2 percent chance of causing an upset while a draw was the outcome in 18.6 percent of the projections.  ## What are the predictions

With just days left, the U.S. opening match at the World Cup is still not sold out

2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4000x4000+1000+0/resize/100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F57%2Fae%2Fc50220c242b6a8c98c8c9f2adea6%2Fworld-cup-health-2276057921.jpg)](https://www.npr.org/2026/06/05/nx-s1-5846403/world-cup-mosquitoes-ebola-heat) ### [Global Health](https://www.npr.org/sections/global-health/) ### [The World Cup vs. bugs, germs and heat: Here's the game plan](https://www.npr.org

World Cup 2026: Full match schedule, groups, teams and start times

time? In the run-up to Thursday’s opening game, Al Jazeera has compiled the complete guide for everything you need to know about its teams, groups, format and schedule. ## What are the groups

Messi at the World Cup: Inter Miami injury update, substitution

vs Philadelphia? After providing two assists in the MLS champions’ last home fixture before the World Cup, Messi stood close to the sidelines at the halfway mark on the pitch in the final third

What are the biggest FIFA World Cup upsets in history?

2026 is the most eagerly awaited sports event of the year. Fans are gearing up to see who scores the most goals, who are the biggest performers on football’s grandest stage, and who wins

How the 1994 World Cup kicked off America's love affair with soccer

Argentina and Nigeria at Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts in June 1994. **Richard Sellers/Allstar/Getty Images** Richard Sellers/Allstar/Getty Images That's what Kevin Tallec Marston, a research fellow at the International Centre for Sports Studies in Switzerland