Reigning World Cup champions Argentina will open their title defense against Algeria on June 16, according to the tournament schedule. The match marks the start of the defending champions’ campaign to retain the trophy they won in Qatar in 2022.
Argentina enters the tournament as one of the favorites behind Lionel Messi and a core of players from the previous championship squad. Algeria qualified for the expanded 48-team field through its regional competition.
The June 16 fixture will be closely watched as a measure of Argentina’s form at the start of the group stage. Scaloni’s side has been preparing with friendly matches ahead of the opener.
A victory against Algeria would set a positive tone for Argentina’s path through the group. The defending champions are grouped with opponents that will test their depth across three preliminary matches.
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Sources:
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/49026257/world-cup-2026-today-blog-11-06-2026-live-updates-news-fixtures-schedule-results-england-costa-rica