Argentina vs Algeria — Live Score, How to Watch & Preview

Argentina vs Algeria kicks off in GROUP J of the 2026 World Cup. Below you’ll find the live score, the kickoff time in your own timezone, exactly where to watch in every country, the full head-to-head record and the key players to watch.

Match preview

Argentina and Algeria meet in Group J of the 2026 World Cup, a clash between a perennial powerhouse and an ambitious African side. Argentina, the reigning champions, boast a deep squad blending veteran leadership with emerging talent. Under Lionel Scaloni, they typically control possession through patient build-up, with Lionel Messi orchestrating from the right or central areas. Their defensive solidity, anchored by Nicolás Otamendi and Cristian Romero, has been key to recent success. Algeria, coached by Djamel Belmadi, rely on pace and directness. Riyad Mahrez remains their creative fulcrum, while Islam Slimani provides aerial threat. The Desert Foxes excel on the counter-attack, using width from full-backs like Youcef Atal. For Argentina, the key battle will be breaking down Algeria's compact defensive block, while Algeria must prevent Messi from dictating play. Argentina need a win to top the group; Algeria aim to build on a likely positive result against a lower-ranked opponent. Expect a tactical contest with Argentina slight favorites.

Key players to watch

Argentina

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) — The GOAT continues to defy age, providing goals and assists from wide areas.
Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) — Midfield engine who links defense and attack with precise passing and energy.
Julián Álvarez (Manchester City) — Versatile forward, tireless runner, and clinical finisher.

Algeria

Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) — Captain and chief creator, known for his dribbling and set-piece delivery.
Ismaël Bennacer (AC Milan) — Combative midfielder who dictates tempo and breaks up play.
Youcef Belaïli (MC Alger) — Tricky winger with pace and directness, a threat on the counter.

How to watch Argentina vs Algeria — by country

Kickoff is … in your local time. Here’s the official broadcaster and stream in each country:

Australia

Australia: SBS has exclusive rights and is keeping the whole tournament free. All 104 matches air live and free on SBS, SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand — no subscription needed.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh: A consortium of state broadcaster BTV, T Sports and Star News has secured the rights (confirmed days before kickoff after an earlier deal collapsed). Matches air live on BTV (free-to-air), with T Sports and Star News on cable and the T Sports app/website for streaming. As terms were only just finalised, confirm exact channel splits with local listings.

Brazil

Brazil: Grupo Globo carries every Brazil match, the final and half the remaining games across TV Globo, SporTV and Globoplay. CazéTV streams all 104 matches live and free in 4K on YouTube, and free-to-air channel SBT shows a selection including Brazil games and knockouts. Easiest free option: CazéTV on YouTube.

Canada

Canada: Bell Media is the official broadcaster. All 104 matches air on TSN (English) and RDS (French) via cable, with select games — including Canada's matches, the opener and the final — free over the air on CTV. Stream on TSN+, the RDS app, or Crave.

Germany

Germany: Deutsche Telekom''s MagentaTV holds rights to all 104 matches (44 exclusive), requiring a subscription. ARD and ZDF each show 30 matches free-to-air — including all Germany games, the opening match, semi-finals and final — on TV and their online streams.

India

India: Zee Entertainment holds the official rights. All 104 matches air on the new Unite8 Sports 1/1 HD (Hindi) and Unite8 Sports 2/2 HD (English) TV channels, and stream on ZEE5 (paid subscription, from about Rs 799 for 3 months). There is no free-to-air option, so a ZEE5 plan or a TV pack carrying Unite8 Sports is needed.

FAQ

When is Argentina vs Algeria?

Wed, Jun 17 at 01:00 AM UTC — shown in your local time on this page — in GROUP J of the 2026 World Cup.

How can I watch Argentina vs Algeria?

Through the official 2026 World Cup broadcaster in your country — for example BBC/ITV (UK, free), Fox & Telemundo (USA), beIN Sports (Middle East), SBS (Australia, free). See the full country-by-country guide on this page.