Argentina, the reigning FIFA World Cup champions, are set to begin their title defense at the 2026 World Cup against Algeria. The draw, which took place on Friday, December 5, 2025, placed Argentina in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
Argentina secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup by finishing atop the South American (CONMEBOL) qualification table with 38 points from 18 matches. They were the first CONMEBOL team to qualify for the tournament. The team is led by Lionel Scaloni and features Lionel Messi, who will be playing in what could be his final World Cup. Other notable players include Rodrigo De Paul and Thiago Almada. Argentina has been on a successful run since winning the World Cup in December 2022, also winning the 2024 Copa America.
Algeria, Argentina's first opponent in Group J, qualified for the World Cup as the winners of CAF Group G, marking their return to the global stage after a 12-year absence. Key players for Algeria include Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura, and Rayan Aït-Nouri, and the team is coached by Vladimir Petković.
Austria, another member of Group J, secured their place in the 2026 World Cup by winning UEFA Group H, marking their first World Cup appearance since 1998. Their squad includes David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer, and Konrad Laimer, and they are coached by Ralf Rangnick.
Jordan, the final team in Group J, qualified as the runners-up in AFC Third Round Group B and will be making their first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup. Key players for Jordan include Musa Al-Tamari, Yazan Al-Naimat, and Ali Olwan, and the team is coached by Jamal Sellami.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will take place from June 11 to July 19. This expanded tournament will feature 48 teams competing in 104 matches across 16 stadiums. The group stage will run from June 11-27, followed by the Round of 32 from June 28-July 3, the Round of 16 from July 4-7, the Quarterfinals from July 9-11, and the Semifinals on July 14-15. The third-place match is scheduled for July 18, and the final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Argentina's Group J schedule includes a match against Algeria on June 16, followed by a game against Austria on June 22, and concluding with a match against Jordan on June 27.
The top six teams from the CONMEBOL qualifiers will directly qualify for the World Cup, while the seventh-placed team will have an opportunity to qualify through the inter-confederation play-offs. Besides Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay have also sealed their spots at the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Bolivia have booked a play-off berth.
