Michael Butler has curated the latest Football Daily update, which includes insights on Pico Lopes, Marcelo Bielsa, and the late Roy Hattersley.
As we approach the third match of day six, let’s take a moment to delve into the perspective of David Squires.
Welcome to the live coverage of match 19 at the 2026 World Cup, featuring Argentina and Algeria. This Group J encounter is set to kick off at Kansas City Stadium at 8 PM local time (9 PM EDT/2 AM BST/11 AM AEST).
The entry of the defending champions into any tournament invariably heightens the excitement, and today is no exception as Argentina embarks on their title defense. Naturally, this also means the presence of their captain, Lionel Messi, whose influence has remained significant since his transition to MLS.
Messi’s triumph in 2022 solidified his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. While he has a chance to secure a second World Cup medal in North America, he must confront a formidable adversary: the relentless passage of time.
Algeria poses a significant early challenge for the veteran squad defending their title. Ranked 28th in the world, Algeria is under the guidance of the astute Vladimir Petkovic and features the accomplished Riyad Mahrez as their captain. The team prepared for the World Cup by defeating the Netherlands in Rotterdam and convincingly beating Bolivia 4-0.
I will return shortly with updates on team lineups and a summary of the matchday events thus far. Meanwhile, you can follow the progress of the Iraq vs. Norway match and share your thoughts about the tournament at jonathan.howcroft.freelance@.
