Argentina v Algeria LIVE: Team news and updates as reigning champions begin World Cup

Argentina left back Nicolas Tagliafico has been ruled out of this match after straining his calf in a warm-up game against Honduras, but Leandro Paredes and Nico Gonzalez are both close to full fitness after muscular problems.

Algeria’s Ramy Bensebaini, who can play left back or centre back, is out with an ankle injury. Otherwise, the underdogs have a full bill of health.

Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on ITV 1, ITV X, STV and STV Player with coverage starting at 1:15am BST. It can also be live streamed on ITVX.

Argentina face Algeria at 2am BST on Wednesday 17 June (8pm CT, Tuesday 17 June) at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of Argentina vs Algeria.

The reigning champions get their World Cup title defence underway against one of two teams likely to battle for the second qualifying spot in Group J.

But several of the top teams, including Spain, have struggled in their opening encounters, so anything is possible…

Kick-off is at 2am BST, and we’ll have build-up, team news, and latest updates right here.