2026 FIFA World Cup draw: Argentina to kick off title defence against Algeria

Agency :

Argentina and Lionel Messi will kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Algeria on June 16 in Group J. Six days later, they face Austria, with the group stage concluding against Jordan on June 27.

The US men’s national team will begin Group D action against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California. They will later play Australia and a playoff winner (Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo) on June 25 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Coach Mauricio Pochettino set clear ambitions: “Win the World Cup.”

The tournament kicks off on June 11 with co-hosts Mexico facing Canada in Mexico City.
Tournament format
The 48-team, 104-match tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 32. All quarterfinals onward will take place in the US, with the final set for July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Final draw and new format
The 2026 World Cup group stage was finalised during the Final Draw ceremony at Washington, DC’s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The tournament features 48 teams in 12 groups of four. Football legends including Rio Ferdinand, Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, and Aaron Judge attended the ceremony.

The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will move to the round of 32.