🇦🇷 Argentina World Cup 2026 FAQ

Messi is expected to be in the squad, though likely in a reduced role. At 38, he won't play every minute, but coach Scaloni will want his captain available for key moments. This is widely expected to be Messi's farewell World Cup.

Lionel Scaloni has been head coach since 2018. He led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and the 2024 Copa America, building one of the most successful eras in Argentine football history.

Argentina are in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. They are heavy favorites to top the group, though Algeria's famous 1982 upset adds a historical subplot.

Argentina's opening match is on June 15, 2026 against Algeria at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, kicking off at 5:00 PM ET.

Argentina are among the favorites at +350 odds. With the core of their 2022 squad still intact plus emerging talents like Garnacho and Enzo Fernandez, they have a strong chance of defending their title. The last team to win back-to-back was Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

In the US, matches air on FOX, FS1 (English) and Telemundo (Spanish), with streaming on Peacock, Fubo, and Tubi. In Argentina, coverage is on TyC Sports and TV Publica.

Argentina's group stage matches are in Miami (Hard Rock Stadium, June 15 and June 25) and Houston (NRG Stadium, June 21). Both cities have large Argentine communities.

With Angel Di Maria retired from international duty, Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United) and Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus) are the leading candidates to fill the wing positions. Paulo Dybala is also in contention for a squad place.

Argentina have won 3 World Cups: 1978 (at home), 1986 (Maradona's tournament in Mexico), and 2022 (Messi's crowning glory in Qatar). They are the defending champions heading into 2026.

Tickets are available through FIFA's official ticketing portal at tickets.fifa.com. For Argentina-specific supporter packages, check the AFA (Argentine Football Association) website and authorized resellers like StubHub and SeatGeek.