USA to Open 2026 World Cup vs. Paraguay, Argentina vs. Algeria/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Argentina and Lionel Messi will open their World Cup title defense against Algeria in the 2026 tournament. The U.S. team begins play against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California. The draw ceremony in Washington also featured a surprise FIFA peace prize awarded to President Donald Trump.
World Cup 2026 Draw Quick Looks
- Argentina vs. Algeria to kick off Messi’s title defense.
- U.S. opens against Paraguay on June 12 in California.
- Mexico hosts the tournament’s opening match vs. South Africa.
- All three host nation leaders participated in the group draw ceremony.
- FIFA awarded Donald Trump its inaugural peace prize.
- Ceremony held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
- Red carpet featured sports legends like Tom Brady and Shaquille O’Neal.
- The expanded 48-team tournament features 104 matches.
- Italy among 22 nations fighting for final six spots in March.
- All quarterfinal and beyond matches to be played in U.S. NFL stadiums.
Deep Look: Argentina Draws Algeria, U.S. Faces Paraguay in 2026 World Cup Opener
WASHINGTON, DC — December 5, 2025 — With snowfall outside and global anticipation in the air, the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a major step forward as the official group draw unfolded at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. The event featured political showmanship, athletic spectacle, and the unveiling of key matchups that will kick off the most expansive World Cup in history.
Leading the headlines: reigning champions Argentinaled by the legendary Lionel Messiwill begin their title defense against Algeria in a group that also includes Austria.
Meanwhile, Team USA will face Paraguay in their opening match on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California—a day after Mexico kicks off the tournament with a match against South Africa.
The draw, which has become an entertainment spectacle as much as a logistical necessity, ran nearly the length of a standard soccer match. Though the co-host nations—United States, Mexicoand Canada—were pre-assigned to their respective groups, tradition called for their national leaders to participate in the ceremonial draw.
President Donald TrumpMexican President Claudia Sheinbaumand Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney each pulled the names of their countries from FIFA’s iconic glass bowls, setting an official tone for the tournament’s launch.
Trump Honored with FIFA Peace Prize
In a surprise addition to the agenda, FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded the newly created FIFA Peace Prize to President Trump, citing his international efforts to promote unity, specifically in relation to his involvement in Middle East ceasefire agreements.
Infantino handed Trump a gold-colored trophy and a blue-ribboned medalpraising his leadership. Trump, placing the medal around his neck, declared:
“This is truly one of the great honors of my life.”
The prize, considered a symbolic gesture rather than a sporting accolade, drew attention away from traditional tournament fanfare but reflected FIFA’s increasing efforts to intersect politics and global influence.
Star-Studded Show at the Kennedy Center
The red carpet outside the Kennedy Center was rolled out for sports royalty. Retired legends Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzkyand baseball’s Aaron Judge were on hand, participating in a ceremony led by former England captain Rio Ferdinand.
The draw attracted a packed hall despite early snow and tight security. Secret Service agents oversaw crowd movement, with lines forming before dawn as media and FIFA personnel arrived to witness the kickoff to the world’s biggest sporting event.
Expanded Format, Global Reach
The 2026 World Cup marks a historic shift in format: 48 nations, 104 matchesand three host countries spanning North America. It’s the most extensive tournament ever, offering expanded opportunities for nations to qualify and compete.
While 11 of the top-ranked teams were already seeded into groups, notable soccer powers like Italy must still earn one of the six remaining spotsto be decided through playoffs concluding on March 31, 2026.
All matches from the quarterfinals forward will be held in the United Stateswith 11 NFL stadiums set to be repurposed into world-class soccer venues. Detailed locations and kickoff times will be announced Saturdaywith cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami expected to host marquee games.
Road Ahead
With the countdown now at 189 days before the tournament begins in Mexico Cityglobal eyes are turning toward North America. The U.S. squad, still chasing its first World Cup title, is seen as a rising contender. Since their semifinal appearance in 1930 and a quarterfinal run in 2002, expectations have grown.
For Argentina, all focus will be on Messi. Though many wondered whether he would retire from international play, his confirmed participation has injected electricity into the defending champions’ campaign.
As the world awaits kickoff, one thing is clear: World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most politically visible and athletically thrilling tournaments in history.
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