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LIVE UPDATES: Argentina 3-0 Algeria World Cup 2026 – Follow every action, every goal and every celebration

Eric Kwafo June 17, 2026
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World Cup 2026

90+7’ FULL-TIME: ARGENTINA 3-0 ALGERIA

The referee checks his watch and blows for full time, bringing an end to a dominant performance from the defending world champions.

Lionel Messi is the undisputed star of the night, scoring a sensational hat-trick to guide Argentina to victory in their opening Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Algeria showed moments of promise but were unable to find a breakthrough against a disciplined Argentine side.

90’ The fourth official indicates a minimum of six minutes of added time. With Argentina comfortably in control, Algeria need something special if they are to salvage anything from the contest.

88’ Ramiz Zerrouki attempts to unlock the Argentine defence with a forward pass from outside the penalty area, but Argentina react quickly and cut out the danger before it can develop into a meaningful attack.

82’ Algeria make their third change of the second half as Ramiz Zerrouki replaces Ibrahim Maza. With time running out, Vladimir Petković continues to shuffle his options in search of a spark that can change the course of the match.

81’ Another substitution for Algeria sees Nabil Bentaleb make way for Adil Boulbina. Fresh legs are introduced as the Desert Warriors look to inject new energy into their midfield and attacking play.

80’ Argentina respond with a defensive change as Lionel Scaloni turns to his experienced bench. Nicolás Otamendi comes on to replace Cristian Romero, adding leadership and composure at the back as the world champions protect their commanding three-goal advantage.

76’ GOAL! LIONEL MESSI STRIKES AGAIN! HAT-TRICK HEROICS IN KANSAS CITY! 3-0 ARGENTINA!

Lionel Messi produces another moment of pure class as he completes his hat-trick with a stunning finish. Nicolás González slips a clever pass into his path, and the Argentina captain takes a touch, steps inside his marker on the edge of the box, and curls a brilliant shot into the bottom left corner. Pure magic.

74’ Algeria continue to show good team chemistry in possession, moving the ball confidently through midfield as they look for a way back into the match despite Argentina’s growing dominance.

72’ Play resumes after the cooling break as both teams return to the pitch, with Algeria hoping to regroup and find a response.

70’ A cooling break is taken as players pause to recover in the heat, allowing both sides a brief reset during this intense World Cup encounter.

69’ Houssem Aouar comes agonisingly close for Algeria, picking up a loose pass on the edge of the box and firing just inches wide of the left post. Argentina breathe a sigh of relief as the ball rolls out for a goal kick.

65’ Vladimir Petković makes another change as Algeria continue to chase the game, with Mohamed Amoura coming on to replace Amine Gouiri in a bid to add more attacking threat and pace up front.

64’ Houssem Aouar is introduced for Algeria, replacing Hicham Boudaoui as the North Africans look to refresh their midfield and regain control in the centre of the pitch.

60’ GOAL! LIONEL MESSI DOUBLES ARGENTINA’S LEAD! 2-0!

Lionel Messi reacts quickest inside the box as the ball breaks kindly to him from a rebound. The Argentina captain shows his trademark composure, rifling a low finish into the middle of the net to extend the world champions’ advantage.

54’ Lautaro Martínez comes close to doubling Argentina’s advantage after connecting with a well-timed pass inside the box. However, his finish lacks precision as he sends his effort straight at Luca Zidane, who makes a comfortable save to keep Algeria in the game.

51’ Lionel Messi tries his luck from the edge of the box after receiving a good pass, but his effort rises just over the crossbar. The ball sails out of play and Algeria restart with a goal kick.

48’ Szymon Marciniak blows his whistle after Hicham Boudaoui brings down his opponent, stopping play and awarding Argentina a free kick near the touchline. The world champions look set to recycle possession and build patiently from the restart.

46’ The second half gets underway in Kansas City with both teams returning to the pitch ready for another intense 45 minutes of World Cup football.

Argentina make a change at the break, with Nahuel Molina coming on to replace Gonzalo Montiel as Lionel Scaloni looks to add fresh energy down the flank.

45+5’ Szymon Marciniak brings the first half to an end after a lively opening 45 minutes filled with chances at both ends. Argentina go into the break holding a narrow advantage after a competitive and energetic period of play.

45’ The fourth official signals four minutes of added time at the end of the first half, reflecting the intensity and stoppages in a tightly contested opening period.

44’ Fares Chaïbi finds space on the edge of the box and lets fly, but his effort rises over the bar without troubling the goalkeeper. Argentina restart with a goal kick as Algeria continue to push forward in search of an equaliser.

41’ Algeria come close once again as Fares Chaïbi rises inside the six-yard box to meet a lofted delivery, but his header drifts wide of the left post. Argentina are awarded a goal kick as the pressure briefly eases.

39’ Argentina are flagged for offside after a mistimed attacking run sees one of their forwards caught ahead of the defensive line. Algeria step up to take the resulting free kick as they look to ease the pressure.

37’ Lionel Messi steps up to take a long-range free kick for Argentina, but the effort is way off target as the ball sails high into the stands. The attempt fails to trouble the goalkeeper, and it results in a goal kick for Algeria.

36’ Rafik Belghali pulls the shirt of an Argentine player in a clear foul, and Szymon Marciniak immediately blows his whistle. Argentina are awarded a free kick in a wide position and look set to deliver a cross into the box.

31’ Lionel Messi is penalised after going into a challenge and clattering into an Algerian player while attempting to win the ball. Szymon Marciniak immediately blows his whistle, awarding Algeria a free kick in their own half as they look to reset and build again.

29’ Argentina have taken full control of possession since the restart, moving the ball with calm precision. The world champions are stringing together crisp, inch-perfect passes as they dictate the rhythm of the game and make it increasingly difficult for Algeria to regain possession.

28’ Play resumes after the cooling break as both teams re-enter the pitch following a brief pause to take on fluids in the intense heat.

25’ The referee signals for a cooling break as players from both sides pause to recover and rehydrate. It’s been a high-tempo opening phase in challenging conditions, with the heat clearly taking its toll on the intensity of the match.

23’ Lionel Messi continues to pull the strings for Argentina, constantly involving himself in build-up play with sharp one-touch combinations. The Argentine captain is dictating the tempo, looking lively and waiting patiently for the right moment to release a decisive pass.

21’ Algeria are enjoying one of their better spells in the match, moving the ball with confidence and increasing their possession. The Desert Warriors are circulating possession well as they try to stretch Argentina’s defensive shape and create openings on the break.

17’ GOAL! ARGENTINA TAKE THE LEAD! Lionel Messi delivers once again for the world champions!

A brilliant combination between Messi and Rodrigo De Paul opens up the Algerian defence, with the Argentine captain finding himself in space on the edge of the box. He makes no mistake, curling a superb finish into the top right corner to put Argentina 1-0 up.

15’ Algeria are beginning to grow into the game, enjoying a spell of controlled possession as they patiently look for openings. The Desert Warriors are showing more confidence on the ball as they try to draw Argentina out of shape and create attacking opportunities.

11’ Gonzalo Montiel goes in late on his opponent with an ugly challenge, but the referee decides not to issue a caution. Algeria are instead awarded a direct free kick as they continue to apply pressure in this early phase of the game.

10’ Enzo Fernández brings down an Algerian player and Szymon Marciniak immediately stops play. Algeria are given the advantage and a free kick in a promising moment as they look to test Argentina’s defensive shape.

8’ Algeria think they have taken the lead after a slick attacking move involving Ibrahim Maza, who finds Fares Chaïbi inside the box. Chaïbi finishes low into the bottom left corner, but the celebrations are cut short as the goal is ruled out for offside after a VAR check. The Algeria players are left disappointed.

5’ Argentina think they have broken through early in the match after a flowing attacking move, but the celebrations are cut short as the flag goes up for offside. Lionel Messi is visibly unhappy with the decision, protesting immediately to the linesman, but the call stands.

3’ The Argentine players are enjoying spells of controlled possession, exchanging short passes in an attempt to stretch Algeria’s defensive shape and create space for a quick breakthrough on the counter.

1’ A lively start in Kansas City as Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández wins the ball high up the pitch but is penalised for a foul in the challenge. Algeria are awarded an early free kick, although it is in a harmless position with no direct shot on goal.

Szymon Marciniak is the referee in charge of today’s World Cup 2026 encounter.

First-Half:

Follow this live blog for minute-by-minute updates, goals, major incidents and all the reaction as Argentina begin the defence of their World Cup crown against Algeria.

Kick Off

Argentina vs Algeria

🏆 FIFA World Cup 2026

📍 Kansas City

⏰ Kick off: 01:00 GMT

None of Algeria’s last six matches have seen both teams score.

Including extra time, Algeria have managed only one clean sheet in their 13 World Cup matches.

The winning team has led at half time in each of Argentina’s last nine matches.

Argentina have won each of their last six World Cup matches against African opposition.

Key Statistics

Algeria will be without Ramy Bensebaini for the contest.

Argentina have received a major boost with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez cleared to play. Nicolás Tagliafico remains a doubt.

Team News

For Algeria, Mohamed Amoura arrives in excellent form after finishing as the leading scorer in the CAF World Cup qualifiers with ten goals.

Lionel Messi remains Argentina’s main attraction and enters the tournament looking to guide his nation to another memorable campaign.

Players to Watch

Messi already holds the record for the most World Cup appearances with 26 matches and has contributed 13 goals and eight assists on the sport’s biggest stage.

The football icon is set to make his 200th appearance for Argentina and become the first player in history to feature at six different FIFA World Cups.

All eyes will once again be on Lionel Messi as the Argentine captain prepares to reach another extraordinary landmark.

Historic Night for Lionel Messi

That encounter came in a friendly match in June 2007, with Argentina claiming a thrilling 4-3 victory. The game is best remembered for Lionel Messi scoring his first international brace.

Argentina and Algeria have met only once before.

Head to Head

While Algeria’s World Cup history has been challenging, the North Africans will believe they have the quality to trouble the defending champions and potentially produce one of the shocks of the opening round.

The Desert Warriors secured qualification after topping their qualifying group for a second consecutive campaign and head into the tournament with an impressive record of 14 wins from their last 19 matches.

Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 and will be determined to mark their comeback with a memorable performance.

Algeria Out to Cause an Upset

Argentina arrive at the tournament in outstanding form, having won 13 of their last 15 matches, drawing one and losing just once. Their consistency and experience make them one of the strongest contenders to lift the trophy once again.

The Albiceleste are aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title. Confidence is high within Lionel Scaloni’s squad after a dominant qualification campaign that saw them finish top of the CONMEBOL standings.

Four years after lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar, Argentina return to the global stage with the opportunity to achieve something only a select few nations have managed in football history.

Argentina Begin Title Defence

Stay with us throughout the match for live updates, goals, key moments, team news and post match reaction.

The reigning world champions begin the defence of their title in Kansas City as Lionel Messi prepares for another historic milestone on football’s biggest stage. Standing in their way is an ambitious Algerian side eager to make a statement against one of the tournament favourites.

Welcome to Africasoccer’s live coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group stage clash between Argentina and Algeria.

Tags: Algeria Argentina World Cup 2026
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