Overview
- The Group J opener kicks off at 9:00 PM ET on Tuesday, June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City and starts at 2:00 AM UK time on Wednesday.
- U.S. viewers can watch the match free on the main FOX network over the air or via the FOX Sports app while U.K. viewers can stream it for free on ITVX with a free account.
- Spanish‑language coverage is on Telemundo and Peacock and live feeds in the U.S. can also be reached through short trials of services such as Fubo or YouTube TV.
- Argentina reported a late squad issue when Nicolas Tagliafico was sidelined by a soleus injury in the buildup, a developing matter that may affect Scaloni’s left‑back options.
- Algeria return to the World Cup after 2014 with Riyad Mahrez as a focal threat and their strong qualifying form makes them a test for the reigning champions; the teams met once before in 2007 when Messi scored twice.