Who will Lionel Messi's Argentina play in FIFA World Cup 2026? Check Group Stage Opponents

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The eagerly awaited FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage draw took place today in Washington D.C., generating excitement for the upcoming expanded tournament featuring 48 teams worldwide. The event started with the FIFA President outlining the draw process, followed by former football stars and celebrities revealing the group compositions. The format now includes 12 groups of four teams each, increasing the competition intensity in every fixture.

As hosts, Mexico, Canada, and the United States were automatically assigned to Groups A, B, and D. Defending champions France, along with other top-ranked nations, were placed into groups based on FIFA rankings and confederation rules, ensuring no early matches between teams from the same region.

The defending champions Argentina will be hoping for a productive outing in the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi is set to spearhead the Albicelestes as they eye their 4th World Cup crown. After a fantastic campaign last time out in Qatar, the expectations are high.

Who will Argentina play in FIFA World Cup 2026?

Lionel Messi and his Argentina are placed in group J of the FIFA World Cup 2026. They are placed with Algeria, Austria and Jordan in their group, and begin their campaign against the African side Algeria.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Teams and Groups

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, UEFA Playoff D Winner

Group B: Canada, UEFA Playoff A Winner, Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Playoff C Winner

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ecuador, Ivory Coast

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Playoff B Winner, Tunisia

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Playoff 2 Winner, Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, FIFA Playoff 1 Winner, Colombia, Uzbekistan

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama