Washington, D.C.: The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially took shape on a glittering stage at the Kennedy Center on Friday, where the expanded 48-team tournament saw its much-anticipated group draw — and where defending champions Argentina learned they will open their campaign against Algeria.
The draw, packed with music performances, celebrity cameos and political pageantry, offered a first full glimpse of the tournament that will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada starting June 11, 2026.
Argentina’s Path Begins in Group J
Argentina, eyeing back-to-back titles for the first time since Brazil’s run in the early 1960s, will begin their tournament on June 16, with their opening match set for Kansas City or Santa Clara. Joining them in Group J are Austria and Jordan, both seeking to upset the reigning champions.
Lionel Messi, who would be approaching his 39th birthday during the competition, has not officially confirmed his participation. But national coach Lionel Scaloni hinted that all signs point to the star returning for what could be a historic sixth World Cup appearance.
“We’re waiting for his decision,” Scaloni said. “Everything looks positive.”
Expanded Field, Newcomers Enter Spotlight
With qualifying spanning 27 months, the expanded 48-team event welcomed several debutants, including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan, each preparing for their first appearance on the sport’s biggest stage.
Curaçao’s veteran coach Dick Advocaat said the moment was emotional for the island. His team opens against four-time champions Germany. “For our people, this is huge,” he said.
Star-Studded Draw and Political Optics
Before the draw balls were spun, the event featured a long entertainment program — nearly a match-length spectacle — as sports icons such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky and Aaron Judge took to the stage.
The ceremony also included U.S. President Donald Trump receiving FIFA’s newly created Peace Prize, presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney then participated in announcing their nations’ groups.
Key Group Highlights
ARGENTINA (Group J)
• Opponents: Algeria, Austria, Jordan
• Opener: June 16
• Venue: Kansas City or Santa Clara
UNITED STATES (Group D)
The U.S. will launch their campaign on June 12 in Los Angeles against Paraguay, followed by a clash with Australia in Seattle. Their final group match will be against the eventual playoff winner (Turkey, Romania, Slovakia or Kosovo).
MEXICO (Group A)
Hosts Mexico will kick off the entire tournament at the iconic Azteca Stadium against South Africa, before facing South Korea and one of the European playoff teams.
BRAZIL (Group C)
The five-time champions face a tricky opener against Morocco and later play Haiti and Scotland. Coach Carlo Ancelotti admitted the draw was “challenging.”
FRANCE (Group I)
France begins against Senegal and faces what many called the most difficult group, ending with a blockbuster match against Norway — a collision course between Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.
PORTUGAL (Group K)
Cristiano Ronaldo, also approaching a sixth World Cup, will take on Uzbekistan and Colombia, with their third opponent to be finalized.
Knockout Format and Tournament Timeline
With 42 teams qualified and six spots still undecided, the tournament’s format expands to 12 groups of four. The top two in each group and the eight best third-place teams advance to a new round of 32.
All matches from the quarterfinals onward will be held in the United States, culminating in the July 19 final in New Jersey.
Historic Stakes Ahead
Only eight nations have lifted the World Cup, and no team has defended the title in more than six decades. Argentina enters the tournament seeking to break that trend — and potentially deliver Messi’s last great chapter on football’s grandest stage.
As the draw concluded, anticipation swelled across continents. The next World Cup promises not only more teams and more games but a global spectacle set against the backdrop of North America’s largest stadiums — and a defending champion with everything to prove once again.
