Argentina will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a highly anticipated clash against Algeria after being drawn into Group J alongside Austria and debutants Jordan. The draw, staged at Washington’s iconic Kennedy Center, placed Lionel Messi’s defending champions on a path where they could potentially become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup trophy. Messi, who will be 39 during the tournament, enters his sixth World Cup after lifting titles at Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be 41 years old when the tournament begins on June 11 in Mexico, will lead Portugal in Group K. Portugal arrives as former European champions and multiple Nations League winners, continuing the storied rivalry of two of football’s greatest icons as their teams navigate the expanded 48-nation World Cup.
Brazil, featuring full-time foreign coach Carlo Ancelotti for the first time in a century, were drawn into Group C and open their journey against 2022 semi-finalists Morocco. The group also includes Scotland, returning to the World Cup for the first time in the 21st century. England, also positioned in the same half of the tournament brackets as Brazil, will face Croatia in their opener in a repeat of the 2018 semi-final. Other key fixtures include France taking on Senegal and the Netherlands meeting Japan.
Mexico will open the global tournament against South Africa in Group A, while co-hosts USA begin their challenge in Group D against Paraguay. As defending champions, Argentina’s first match against Algeria is expected to generate global attention. The draw featured performances, world football stars, and appearances by former champions, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino calling the event the beginning of “the greatest FIFA World Cup ever,” highlighting the expanded format of 104 matches culminating at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19.
The ceremony, hosted by Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart, showcased global sporting legends including Roberto Carlos, Kaka, Ronaldo, Cafu, Iker Casillas, Diego Forlan, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tom Brady. The event also marked the first FIFA Peace Prize presentation, awarded to Donald Trump, recognized for contributions toward fostering peace globally. The expanded tournament structure includes 12 groups of four teams each, with two qualifiers and eight of the best third-placed teams advancing to a 32-team knockout stage. Host nations Mexico, Canada and the USA were placed in Groups A, B and D respectively as the world prepares for the biggest World Cup yet.
