Liam Duckstein
Argentina will begin their title defense at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Group J, where they will face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. Lionel Scaloni’s team enters the tournament as the reigning world champions after their historic victory in Qatar 2022.
The competition will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The final will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
This FIFA World Cup 2026 section on Tipp.gg is presented in partnership with SapphireBet.
Argentina Group Stage Fixtures
| Match | Date | Venue | Kick-off (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs Algeria | June 16 | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City | 9:00 PM |
| Argentina vs Austria | June 22 | AT&T Stadium, Dallas | 1:00 PM |
| Jordan vs Argentina | June 27 | AT&T Stadium, Dallas | 10:00 PM |
Teams in Argentina’s Group
Group J includes four teams from different confederations:
- Argentina – defending world champions and one of the favorites to win the tournament again.
- Algeria – a strong African side that reached the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup.
- Austria – returning to the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998, led by players like David Alaba.
- Jordan – making their World Cup debut after a strong qualification campaign.
Explore Argentina’s Group J odds for the 2026 World Cup on SapphireBet below:
| Match | Date | Time | 1 | X | 2 |
| Argentina vs Algeria | June 17 | 05:00 | 1.39 | 4.34 | 8.60 |
| Argentina vs Austria | June 22 | 21:00 | 1.32 | 4.63 | 7.36 |
Possible Knockout Stage Opponents
The top two teams in each group automatically advance to the knockout stage. In the new 48-team format, the eight best third-place teams will also progress.
If Argentina win Group J, they will face the runner-up from Group H, which includes Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde. If they finish second, they will play the winner of Group H.
From there, the champions would need to progress through the Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals before potentially reaching the final on July 19, 2026.
2026 World Cup Format and Key Dates
The 2026 edition will be the largest World Cup in history with 48 teams and 104 matches.
- Group Stage: June 11 – June 27
- Round of 32: June 28 – July 3
- Round of 16: July 4 – July 7
- Quarter-finals: July 9 – July 11
- Semi-finals: July 14 – July 15
- Final: July 19 at MetLife Stadium
With Lionel Messi possibly appearing in his sixth World Cup, Argentina fans will be watching closely as La Albiceleste attempt to defend their crown on football’s biggest stage.
Argentina Predicted Lineup for First Match vs Algeria
Argentina are expected to open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Algeria with a familiar 4-3-3 formation. Based on recent friendlies and current club form, head coach Lionel Scaloni is likely to rely on the core group that helped win the 2022 World Cup.
- GK: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) – Argentina’s undisputed No.1 and one of the heroes of Qatar 2022.
- RB: Nahuel Molina (Atlético Madrid) – Preferred for his attacking runs, though Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla) remains an option.
- CB: Cristian Romero (Tottenham) – The defensive leader known for his aggressive style.
- CB: Lisandro Martínez (Manchester United) – Favored for his pace and distribution, though Nicolás Otamendi (Benfica) provides experience.
- LB: Nicolás Tagliafico (Lyon) – Expected to start ahead of Marcos Acuña due to his reliability.
- CM: Rodrigo De Paul (Atlético Madrid) – The tireless engine of Argentina’s midfield.
- CM: Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) – Creative passer who links midfield and attack.
- CM: Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) – A key playmaker if fully fit, with Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis) as an alternative.
- RW: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – Captain and attacking focal point on the right wing.
- FW: Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid) – High-energy forward known for pressing and movement.
- ST: Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) – Argentina’s primary striker and one of Europe’s most prolific finishers.
Final selections could change depending on injuries and form in the weeks leading up to the tournament, as Scaloni continues to test squad depth during pre-World Cup friendlies.
- Also read: Best World Cup 2026 Betting Sites in Argentina: Top Picks, Legal Tips, and Payment Methods
Final Thoughts
Argentina head into the 2026 World Cup as defending champions and one of the strongest teams in the tournament. With a squad full of experienced winners and rising stars, La Albiceleste will aim to start strong against Algeria before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.
If Lionel Messi does participate in what could be his final World Cup, the excitement around Argentina’s campaign will be even greater. Fans across the world will be watching closely to see whether Scaloni’s team can repeat their historic success and lift the trophy once again on July 19 in New Jersey.