The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, marks a historic expansion to 48 teams.
As defending champions, Argentina enters as a top seed in Group J, alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Their group stage fixtures are all set in the United States, with potential knockout matches that could span multiple host nations depending on progression.
Below, we break down the venues, logistics, and more based on the official schedule released by FIFA in December 2025.
Argentina’s Group Stage Match Venues
Argentina will play all three group matches in the United States, with games scheduled in Kansas City and Dallas.
Opening Match Stadium
Argentina kicks off their title defence on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. This iconic NFL venue, home to the Kansas City Chiefs, will host the match in the evening, providing a vibrant atmosphere for the opener.
Second Group Match Venue
On Monday, June 22, 2026, Argentina faces Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Known for its massive retractable roof and high-tech features, this stadium is a hub for major events and will offer a prime-time slot for fans.
Third Group Match Location
The group stage concludes for Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, against Jordan, again at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, Texas. Returning to the same venue allows for familiarity and reduced logistics between the second and third games.
Argentina’s Possible Knockout Stage Venues
Argentina’s potential knockout stage venues depend on their performance in the group stage. Different group finishes or results could lead to different venues and opponents.
Round of 32 Stadium
If Argentina finish top of Group J, they will advance to the 86th round of 32 at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, July 3, 2026.
In this scenario, La Albiceleste will face the runner-up from Group H, with the most likely candidates being Spain or Uruguay.
Should Argentina end the group stage as runners-up in Group J, they will compete in Match 84 on Thursday, 2 July 2026, at SoFi Stadium.
Their opponent will be the winners of Group H, with the most likely candidates being Spain or Uruguay.
Round of 16 Venue
If Argentina finish as group winners and advances to the Round of 16, they will face the winner of the playoff between the Group D runners-up and Group G runners-up on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
However, if Argentina progresses as group runners-up, they will play the winner of the match between the Group K runners-up and Group L runners-up on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at BMO Field.
Quarterfinal Location
If Argentina advance to the quarterfinals as group winners, they will play the winner of the match between the Group B winners and the best third-placed team from Groups E, F, G, I or J, against the winner of Group K and the best third-placed team from Groups D, E, I, J or L.
This quarterfinal clash is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
However, if Argentina reach the last eight as group runners-up, they will face the winner of Group D and the best third-placed team from Groups B, E, F, I or J, against the winner of Group G and the best third-placed team from Groups A, E, H, I or J.
This match will take place on Friday, July 10, 2026, at SoFi Stadium.
Semifinal Stadium
If Argentina win their group and reaches the semifinals, they will play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in a blockbuster clash for a place in the World Cup final.
If Argentina finish as group runners-up and advances to the last four, they will also compete at AT&T Stadium, but on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in the other semifinal matchup of the tournament.
Final Match Venue
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final match will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
The final match is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. GMT).
Travel Guide for Argentina Fans
Following La Albiceleste across North America requires planning, especially with vast distances. Focus on efficient flights and ground transport for group stage hops between Kansas City and Dallas (about a 1-hour flight or 8-hour drive).
Best Airports Near Stadiums
- Kansas City Stadium: Kansas City International Airport (MCI), 25 miles away.
- Dallas Stadium: Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), 20 miles away; or Dallas Love Field (DAL), closer at 25 miles.
- For potential knockout: Miami International (MIA) for Miami; Los Angeles International (LAX) for LA; and similar major hubs for other cities like Philadelphia (PHL) or Mexico City (MEX).
Hotel Areas Near Match Venues
- Kansas City: Stay in Downtown Kansas City or near Arrowhead in the Truman Sports Complex area for convenience.
- Dallas/Arlington: Options abound in Arlington’s Entertainment District or Downtown Dallas, with shuttles to AT&T Stadium.
- Knockout spots: Book in stadium-adjacent neighborhoods like Miami Gardens, Inglewood (LA), or Polanco in Mexico City for luxury stays.
Transportation Tips
Use ride-sharing apps like Uber/Lyft for stadium access, or public transit like Kansas City’s streetcar or Dallas’s DART rail. For inter-city travel, book flights early via major carriers (American, Delta).
Final Thoughts
Argentina’s path in the 2026 World Cup starts strong in familiar U.S. venues, with the potential for epic knockout clashes across North America. As Lionel Messi and company aim for back-to-back titles, fans should gear up for an unforgettable tournament.
