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Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said that Lionel Messi and co. face no 'easy' opponents after defending champions learnt their group-stage teams in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Unknown challenge for Lionel Messi's Argentina
Having won the biggest title in the world three years ago in Qatar, the Argentina team made short work of their CONMEBOL qualifying group to qualify for next years' showpiece in the United States.
In the draw ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C, Argentina were placed in Group J along with Algeria, Austin and Jordan.
expressing his thoughts on his team's opponents, including an 'unknown' Jordan, Scaloni said (as per sports journalist Sofi Martinez via Albiceleste Talk)
"There are no easy opponents, you have to play the matches. We have to give our best and try to advance. I was a bit nervous when the balls were coming out. There are no easy opponents; you have to play the matches. We don’t take anything for granted.
"Algeria is a strong team, they have a great youth system that feeds France and other countries. Austria had a great qualifying campaign and is a tough opponent. The most ‘unknown’ team is Jordan, but if they made it there, it must be for a reason. I repeat: you have to play the matches. We have to give our best and try to advance.”
Along with Cape Verde, Curacao and Uzbekistan, Jordan will make their debut in the World Cup next summer. Having first taken part in qualifying forty years ago, Jordan finished runner-up in AFC qualifying Group B, behind winners South Korea.
Lionel Messi's Argentina open their FIFA World Cup campaign on June 16 against Algeria in San Francisco on Kansas. Six days later, they take on Austria in San Francisco or Dallas before facing debutants Jordan in Dallas or Kansas on June 27.
Lionel Messi led Argentina's journey to 2026 FIFA World Cup
Lionel Messi's Argentina were the astonishing team in CONMEBOL qualifying for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing with nine points ahead of runner-ups Ecuador.
Messi led Argentina won 12 of their 18 games - the most by any team in the CONMEBOL qualifiers - amassing 31 goals, again the most by any team in the group. Messi was involved in 11 of these goals, scoring eight.
Five of his goal contributions came in a single game - a 6-0 home win against Bolivia in October 2024. It is interesting to note that Lionel Messi has not confirmed his participation in the World Cup next year.
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