FIFA 2026 World Cup draw: Lionel Messi & Argentina learn Group J opponents

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·05 de dezembro de 2025

FIFA 2026 World Cup draw: Lionel Messi & Argentina learn Group J opponents

By MLSsoccer staff

Inter Miami CF superstar Lionel Messi and Argentina learned their 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on Friday, slotting into Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan.

Vídeos OneFootball

Here’s what awaits the defending champions next June and July during the 48-team tournament.

Who they drew

Algeria

FIFA World Ranking: 35
How they got here: CAF Group G winners
World Cup history: 4 previous appearances; one Round of 16
Key players: Riyad Mahrez (F), Mohamed Amoura (F), Rayan Aït-Nouri (D)
Coach: Vladimir Petković

Austria

FIFA World Ranking: 24
How they got here: UEFA Group H winners
World Cup history: 7 previous appearances; one third-place finish
Key players: David Alaba (D), Marcel Sabitzer (M), Konrad Laimer (M)
Coach: Ralf Rangnick

Jordan

FIFA World Ranking: 66
How they got here: AFC Third Round Group B runners-up
World Cup history: No previous appearances
Key players: Musa Al-Tamari (M), Yazan Al-Naimat (F), Ali Olwan (F)
Coach: Jamal Sellami

The groups are locked in for the 2026 @FIFAWorldCup. 🔒
– sexta-feira, 5 de dezembro de 2025

Argentina's path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The reigning world champions qualified by finishing atop South America's Conmebol qualification table, securing 38 points across 18 qualifying matches.

La Albiceleste were the first Conmebol team to qualify, officially booking their spot in March.

In addition to Messi, Argentina boast fellow Inter Miami superstar Rodrigo De Paul, who joined the Herons over the summer from LaLiga giants Atlético Madrid. Former Atlanta United playmaker and MLS-record outbound transfer Thiago Almada also features for Lionel Scaloni's side.

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