Messi Leads Argentina into Algeria in FIFA world cup Opener as World Cup Groups are Decided
The 2026 FIFA World Cup groups have been drawn, with Argentina’s Lionel Messi facing Algeria in the opening match of the tournament on June 16. The USMNT will face Paraguay in their Group D opener on June 12 in Inglewood, California, followed by a match against Australia.
The draw, held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, saw teams from five-time champion Brazil to newcomers Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan learn their group-stage opponents. The tournament kicks off on June 11 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Other notable matchups include England taking on Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L, while Mexico hosts South Africa in the tournament opener at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
The top two teams from each group, along with the top eight third-place teams, will advance to the round of 32. The final will be held on July 19 at East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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