Messi starts as Argentina face Algeria in World Cup opener: time, TV | OneFootball

Argentina and Algeria make up Group J of the 2026 World Cup, along with Austria and Jordan

Argentina face Algeria in Kansas City, United States, this Tuesday (16), in a match valid for the opening round of Group J of the 2026 World Cup. The Coluna do Fla team now breaks down the key information about this clash involving the current world champion.

WHERE TO WATCH LIVE AND KICKOFF TIME?

The ball starts rolling for Argentina and Algeria at 10 p.m. (Brasília time), with exclusive broadcast on Cazé TV through YouTube. Expectations are for a dynamic matchup, as the Argentinians look to shake off their history of difficult debuts in title-defense years.

HOW DOES ARGENTINA ARRIVE FOR THE OPENER?

Coach Lionel Scaloni worked around physical issues in the squad ahead of the tournament. As a result, the manager confirmed that Lionel Messi has recovered from muscle fatigue and will lead the team on the field this Tuesday (16). In addition, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez returns to the starting lineup despite the fracture he suffered to the ring finger on his right hand.

Argentina’s likely lineup is: Dibu Martínez, Molina, Otamendi, Cuti Romero and Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández; Almada, Messi and Lautaro Martínez. In short, Scaloni is relying on the group’s experience to maintain emotional balance, since the squad has already gone through adverse situations at the start of previous World Cups.

WHAT ABOUT ALGERIA?

Algeria, coached by Vladimir Petkovic, come in with impressive results from their June friendlies. The African side beat the Netherlands 1-0 and thrashed Bolivia 4-0, showing the danger of their attacking system. Veteran Riyad Mahrez, 35, leads the team as captain and its main technical reference on the pitch.

Algeria’s likely lineup features: Zidane, Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini and Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Maza and Bentaleb; Gouiri, Mahrez and Amoura. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of former star Zinedine Zidane, is also drawing attention in goal. Coluna do Fla is closely monitoring this preparation, maintaining the informative rigor that guides its international coverage.

WHY DOES THE MATCH CARRY ‘HISTORICAL WEIGHT’ FOR ARGENTINA?

Argentina carry the historical burden of having lost their first matches in the World Cups following the 1978 and 1986 titles. However, the coaching staff is focused only on current performance and the resilience shown in Qatar. This clash also marks the first official meeting between the two national teams in World Cup history.

Lionel Messi, in his sixth appearance in the tournament, is looking to extend the record for most World Cup matches played. The Coluna do Fla report, which is experiencing the day-to-day of the World Cup and following the movements of the national teams, believes that this Tuesday’s (16) result will set the tone for Group J. Stay tuned for full reaction after the final whistle.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.