Argentina's Full FIFA World Cup 2026 Schedule: Dates, kick-off times & venues
(Courtesy : Getty)
Defending champions Argentina will be aiming to retain the title!
The FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on June 12 as nations and fans gear up for the grandest sporting stage. The tournament will be the first time to have three different hosts – the USA, Mexico and Canada.
The edition will also feature 48 teams – ranging from favourites like France and Spain to first-time debutants like Curaçao and Uzbekistan.
Argentina national football team will be coming in the tournament as one of the favourites. Lionel Scaloni’s side aims to defend their title after securing the team’s third World Cup, defeating France in penalties in an exciting final matchup. With the World Cup squad set to be announced, the Lionel Messi-led Argentine side will be arriving with huge expectations, which is also rumoured to be the captain’s last international tournament.
Argentina’s group and who are the opponents?
La Albiceleste will be competing in Group J of the World Cup, featuring Algeria, Austria and Jordan, with the group considered to be one of the easiest groups in the competition.
The World Champions will be opening their campaign against Algeria, who enter the competition after finishing at the top of their CAF qualifying group. Jordan, on the other hand, is set to make their first ever appearance in the tournament, navigating through the AFC qualifier groups.
Austria, Argentina’s toughest opposition in the group, made an impressive qualification after finishing first in their group, as Ralf Rangnick-led side is set for their first ever appearance since 1998.
Argentina’s World Cup Schedule so far
Lionel Scaloni’s side will play in Group J of the FIFA World Cup 2026 alongside Algeria, Jordan and Austria.
Argentina vs Algeria: June 17 [06:30 AM IST, 01:00 AM GMT] / June 16 [9:00 PM ET, 06:00 PM PT] – Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, USA
Argentina vs Austria: June 22 [10:30 PM IST] / June 22 [05:00 PM GMT, 12:00 PM ET, 09:00 AM PT] – AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Dallas), USA
Jordan vs Argentina: June 28 [07:30 AM IST] / June 28 [02:00 AM GMT, 9:00 PM ET (June 27), 06:00 PM PT (June 27)] – AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Dallas), USAside Algeria, Jordan, and Austria.
Argentina will be aiming to finish at the top of the group to qualify for the knockout round and to draw a favourable opposition.
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Basil Elias Benoy is a sports journalist with a deep passion for football, cricket, and kabaddi. A devoted supporter of Manchester United and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he combines his academic background in Economics with hands-on experience in sports media. His work ranges from professional sports content creation for digital platforms to on-ground reporting for Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters.