Argentina Readies for FIFA World Cup Title Defense Against Algeria

Argentina, led by captain Leo Messi and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, will kick off their FIFA World Cup title defense against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16.

The match is set to start at 9 p.m. ET, and fans can watch it live in English on FOX and in Spanish on Telemundo and Peacock.

This marks Argentina's 19th and 14th consecutive appearance at a FIFA World Cup, having won the title in 1978, 1986, and 2022. They qualified for the tournament by topping CONMEBOL's qualifiers, earning 38 points and recording 12 wins, two draws, and four losses.

Argentina's 2022 title victory saw Messi guide the team to a historic win, with the captain scoring his first brace for Argentina in a friendly match against Algeria in 2007. Since then, Messi has become the team's driving force, cementing his legacy with numerous titles and records.

With Messi set to make his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance, the team's star player holds the international record for most caps (199) and goals (117) for Argentina, as well as the record for most World Cup goals (13) and appearances (26).

Also making his second World Cup appearance alongside Messi is midfielder De Paul, who played a key role in the team's previous World Cup victory in 2022 and has contributed to Argentina's Copa America titles and CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions crown.