Lionel Messi's Argentina, the reigning champions, will begin their defense of the trophy against Algeria in Group J in Kansas City on June 16.

World Cup 2026 Argentina opens its title defense from a Kansas City base, with Lionel Messi managed carefully before the June 16 game with Algeria.

Lionel Messi returns with a highly fancied Argentina squad while Algeria and Austria are set to battle for second spot

Lionel Messi's Argentina, the reigning champions, will begin their defense of the trophy against Algeria in Group J in Kansas City on June 16.