3 months ago
Inter Miami CF superstar Lionel Messi and Argentina learned their 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on Friday, being placed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
Here’s what awaits the defending champions next June and July during the expanded 48-team tournament.
Group J Opponents
Algeria
- FIFA World Ranking: 35
- Qualification: CAF Group G winners
- World Cup history: 4 previous appearances; reached Round of 16 once
- Key players: Riyad Mahrez (F), Mohamed Amoura (F), Rayan Aït-Nouri (D)
- Coach: Vladimir Petković
Austria
- FIFA World Ranking: 24
- Qualification: UEFA Group H winners
- World Cup history: 7 previous appearances; best finish third place
- Key players: David Alaba (D), Marcel Sabitzer (M), Konrad Laimer (M)
- Coach: Ralf Rangnick
Jordan
- FIFA World Ranking: 66
- Qualification: AFC Third Round Group B runners-up
- World Cup history: No previous appearances
- Key players: Musa Al-Tamari (M), Yazan Al-Naimat (F), Ali Olwan (F)
- Coach: Jamal Sellami
The groups are locked in for the 2026 @FIFAWorldCup. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/iVNQwmdsP0
— Major League Soccer 🏆 (@MLS) December 5, 2025
Argentina's Road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The reigning world champions qualified by finishing first in South America's CONMEBOL qualification table, securing 38 points across 18 matches. Argentina was the first CONMEBOL team to qualify, officially booking their spot in March.
Alongside Messi, Argentina features fellow Inter Miami star Rodrigo De Paul, who joined the Herons from LaLiga giants Atlético Madrid over the summer. Former Atlanta United playmaker and MLS-record outbound transfer Thiago Almada also represents Lionel Scaloni's squad.
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2026 World Cup Schedule
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament expands to 48 teams and will be hosted at 16 stadiums, including five home venues of Major League Soccer clubs.
- Group stage: June 11–27
- Round of 32: June 28 – July 3
- Round of 16: July 4–7
- Quarterfinals: July 9–11
- Semifinals: July 14–15
- Third place match: July 18
- Final: July 19
