Argentina’s Lionel Messi greets teammates Nicolas Otamendi after he scored the third goal against Zambia during a friendly soccer match in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Gustavo Garello)
Gustavo Garello/AP
North Texas has been gifted not one, but two 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage matches featuring the defending champions.
Argentina will begin its repeat campaign in Kansas City, Missouri before making its way to AT&T Stadium for games on June 22 and 27. The No. 1 ranked national team in the world has been drawn into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
With a superstar unlike any soccer has ever seen and maybe the deepest roster in the competition, Argentina are the favorites to hoist the World Cup trophy again this year. Here’s what to know about the squad.
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Group J schedule
Monday, June 15, 11 p.m. (FS1): Austria vs. Jordan, Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
Tuesday, June 16, 8 p.m. (Fox): Argentina vs. Algeria, Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)
Monday, June 22, 12 p.m. (Fox): Argentina vs. Austria, AT&T Stadium (Arlington)
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Monday, June 22, 10 p.m. (FS1): Jordan vs. Algeria, Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara, California)
Saturday, June 27, 9 p.m. (Fox): Jordan vs. Argentina, AT&T Stadium (Arlington)
Saturday, June 27, 9 p.m. (FS1): Algeria vs. Austria, Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City, Missouri)
RELATED: Here’s a look at the full schedule of matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Top storyline
When arguably the greatest of all time is playing, it’s hard to think of anything else that could compete.
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That player, of course, is Lionel Messi. The winner of a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, the most prolific assister in the history of soccer and a galactico with more than 900 goals for club and country to his name. His celebrity transcends the sport, and wherever he goes during the 2026 World Cup, there will be Messi mania.
What’s even more intriguing? Messi famously joined Inter Miami of MLS in 2023. Call it a World Cup on home soil for the league’s biggest star.
Players to Watch
Argentina are the defending champions for a reason, as they boast one of the most talented squads in the world. In addition to Messi, Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez has become a certified star since his breakout at the 2022 World Cup, and Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is one of the steadiest players on the pitch.
Fan experience
You are sure to find passionate fans of Argentina across North Texas during the 2026 World Cup. Some even pedaled from their home country to watch the team play in the United States.
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The statistics for super fans Vicente Conculini, Yamandú Martínez and Miguel Silio are astonishing. Nine months, 10,000 miles and over 17 countries visited while carrying 80-pounds on their backs during their bicycle trip from South America. They arrived in Dallas in May, ready to join even more supporters in cheering on the defending World Cup champions.
“In Argentina, soccer is part of your identity,” Conculini said. “And this could be Messi’s final World Cup. We couldn’t miss it.”
Staff writer Abraham Nudelstejer contributed to this report.