Argentina, Messi to open World Cup vs Algeria
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Lionel Messi's Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal learned their opponents for the 2026 World Cup after the draw was completed on Friday.
In the second Group D matchup of the day, Argentina defeated Algeria 2-1 in Rio at the Olympic Stadium. After a few half-chances by Algeria in the opening minutes of the match, Argentina would have the first real opportunity. In the 10th minute, Angel ...
The draw for the tournament took place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and followed President Donald Trump receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. The full results of the draw can be seen here and you can also watch The Athletic FC Podcast team’s reaction to the ceremony on YouTube.
Argentina and Lionel Messi will start their World Cup title defense against Algeria, while the U.S. was drawn Friday to open against Paraguay as soccer’s quadrennial championship returns to North America for the first time since 1994.