Argentina 2026 World Cup group J schedule, fixtures and Opponents

As the reigning world champions following their triumphant 2022 campaign in Qatar, Argentina enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with high expectations. La Albiceleste will face Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Led by the legendary Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 at the start of the tournament, La Albiceleste are aiming to defend their title in what promises to be the biggest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

With qualification assured through South America’s CONMEBOL qualifiers, Argentina’s focus now turns to the group stage, where they will face a mix of familiar and emerging challenges.

The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11 and culminates with the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The expanded format of the tournament features 12 groups of four teams, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-place teams.

This creates a round of 32 before progressing to the last 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and beyond. The final draw for the 2026 World Cup took place at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C. on December 5, 2025.

Argentina were placed in Group J, a relatively favourable draw that pitted them against African powerhouse Algeria, European underdog Austria and Asian qualifier Jordan.

This group avoids some of the tournament’s heavy hitters, such as Brazil, France or England, giving Argentina a strong chance of finishing top of the standings and securing a place in the knockout stages.

Argentina’s ranking as defending champions ensured that they avoided the other top pots, making it a winnable group on paper.

Argentina 2026 World Cup Group Stage Schedule

Argentina’s group stage campaign begins in mid-June, with La Albiceleste playing Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All matches are scheduled during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, from June 11 to June 27.

Based on initial reports, all of Argentina’s group stage matches will be played at American venues, with possible venues including Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara (San Francisco area) and AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

These matches provide Argentina with a balanced schedule, starting against Algeria – a tough but manageable opener – then finishing with Austria and Jordan.

Winning all three would likely secure first place in Group J, and put them in a favorable position for the Round of 32.

• Match 1 – Tue, June 16, 2026: vs Algeria, Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City), 21:00 ET
• Match 2 – Mon, June 22, 2026: vs Austria, Dallas Stadium (Arlington), 13:00 ET
• Match 3 – Sat, June 27, 2026: vs Jordan, Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City), 22:00 ET

Argentina’s Group J Opponents

Argentina’s path in Group J presents three distinct challenges: a high-profile clash with a fellow European qualifier, a match against an unpredictable African side, and a historic encounter with a World Cup newcomer.

Below, we break down each team, including their World Cup history, recent form, key players, and what they might bring to the table against Argentina.

Algeria

Argentina begin their journey to the 2026 World Cup finals on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, taking on Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with kickoff set for 21:00. Ranked around 31st in the world, Algeria return to football’s biggest stage after missing the last two tournaments — a comeback fuelled by renewed ambition and a fresh tactical identity.

Now coached by Vladimir Petković, the Swiss manager known for strong tournament organisation, Algeria find themselves in a transitional phase. This will be their fifth World Cup appearance, with their best result being a Round of 16 finish in 2014.

Even if they lack the overall squad depth of top-tier nations, the team still relies on proven match-winners. Riyad Mahrez, their veteran leader, remains central to their creativity and composure, while Mohamed Amoura — Wolfsburg’s electric forward and top scorer in the opening round of African qualifiers — adds pace and unpredictability. Their attack also features experienced options like Islam Slimani, giving them several ways to threaten.

Algeria typically build their game around wide play and Mahrez’s ability to dictate tempo, often looking for crosses or quick combinations in the final third. However, their inconsistency remains a concern; moments of brilliance can be followed by lapses in structure.

Their challenge to Argentina comes from two angles:
the emotional drive of returning to a World Cup after eight years, and the individual quality of players capable of punishing even minor defensive mistakes. For Argentina, underestimating Algeria would be costly.

Austria

Argentina’s second match — against Austria (FIFA World Ranking: ~17) — will likely be their toughest test of the group stage. Austria return to a World Cup for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year wait, and their resurgence has been shaped by the influence of German coach Ralf Rangnick, who took charge in 2022.

Rangnick’s philosophy has completely reshaped the team, turning Austria into a high-intensity pressing machine with clear tactical identity. Their strong performances in the UEFA Nations League and the European Championship have underlined just how far they’ve come under his guidance.

Austria’s squad blends experienced players from Europe’s top leagues with disciplined, hard-working professionals. David Alaba, the long-time captain, remains the heartbeat of the team, providing leadership, composure, and versatility across the backline or midfield. In attack, veteran forward Marko Arnautović, the nation’s all-time top scorer, offers physical presence and personality — and he will be eager to shine on the biggest stage.

They also boast standout midfielders like Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund) and Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich), who form the backbone of their intense pressing structure. Together, they give Austria a dynamic, energetic core capable of unsettling any opponent.

Jordan

Jordan — known as “The Nashama” — will make their long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut in 2026, a historic milestone for a nation that has spent years falling just short in Asian qualifiers.

After finishing third in their 2022 qualifying group, they finally broke through this cycle under Moroccan coach Jamal Selmami, whose arrival has brought structure, belief, and renewed ambition.

Their rise became impossible to overlook after an impressive run to the 2023 Asian Cup final, where they finished as runners-up to Qatar. That achievement signaled Jordan’s growing competitiveness on the continental stage and highlighted their tactical evolution.

As underdogs in this group, Jordan will look to compete through discipline, counter-attacking transitions, and well-rehearsed set-pieces, hoping to frustrate stronger opponents and potentially play the role of spoilers.

Their key threats include Moussa Al-Tamari, often referred to as the “Jordanian Messi” for his dribbling flair and creativity, as well as Yazan Al-Naimat, the energetic Al-Ahly forward capable of turning half-chances into goals.

Midfielder Nour Al-Rawabdeh adds balance and composure, helping Jordan control tempo when possible with his passing range and vision.

Argentina’s path to the knockout stage looks strong on paper, but underestimating any of these opponents — especially a motivated debutant like Jordan — could be dangerous.