The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, and Argentina is in Group J with Algeria, Austria and Jordan. | Photo Credit: AFP

Argentina will complete its FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations with two friendlies in the United States before beginning its title defence against Algeria on June 16. Lionel Scaloni’s side, the defending world champion, will face Honduras and Iceland in June as part of its final build-up before the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The team has chosen Kansas City as its base for the World Cup. The Sporting KC Training Centre will serve as Argentina’s Team Base Camp, with the squad expected to use it for training, recovery, team meetings and operations between matches.

PRE-WORLD CUP FRIENDLY MATCHES

June 6: Argentina vs Honduras at the Kyle Field, College Station, Texas - 7: 00 pm local / 5:30 am IST, ( June 7)

June 9: Argentina vs Iceland at the Jordan-Hare Stadium, Alabama - 7:30 pm local / 6:00 am IST, ( June 10)

ARGENTINA’S WORLD CUP GROUP STAGE GAMES (Group J)

June 16: Argentina vs Algeria, Kansas City

June 22: Argentina vs Austria, Arlington, Texas

June 27: Argentina vs Jordan, Arlington, Texas

PROVISIONAL ARGENTINA SQUAD, MESSI INCLUDED

Argentina’s final World Cup squad has not yet been officially announced. Lionel Scaloni named a provisional list, with Inter Miami skipper Lionel Messi included, and the final squad is expected to be trimmed before the tournament. Messi is also managing a hamstring overload ahead of the World Cup, with Inter Miami saying his return to training will depend on recovery progress.

You can read more about Argentina’s provisional squad by clicking here.

Published on May 27, 2026