Washington ¨C The path to glory at the 2026 World Cup has now been laid out with FIFA on Saturday confirming the full match schedule for its first 48-team tournament, a day after the star-studded draw ceremony in Washington dominated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Saturday¡¯s event, hosted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, revealed that Lionel Messi¡¯s Argentina, the reigning champion, will begin its defense of the trophy against Algeria in Group J in Kansas City on June 16. Argentina will then face Austria and Jordan in Arlington, Texas.
Japan¡¯s first match will be against the Netherlands on June 14 in Arlington. Samurai Blue will take on Tunisia in Guadalupe, Mexico, on June 20 and a European qualifier on June 25 in Arlington.
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