FIFA reveals the matchups & times for KC’s 2026 World Cup group-stage games
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- FIFA set four Kansas City group-stage matches at Arrowhead with confirmed dates, times.
- Argentina, featuring Lionel Messi, will play in KC as part of Group J competition.
- KC hosts Round of 32 match and quarterfinal; game times are set.
The stars will be on the pitch at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup ... and on the jerseys of one team coming to Kansas City.
Just eight nations have ever won the World Cup. After hoisting the trophy, the team gets to put a star on its jersey forever. Argentina has three stars after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and it will be playing in Kansas City next summer.
But the real star will be playing in the game: Argentina’s Lionel Messi is one of the greatest players of all-time, and he’ll be playing in his final World Cup.
He’s just one of the world-class players who will be at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium next summer.
FIFA on Saturday morning revealed the matchups for the four group-stage matches to be played in Kansas City and the times.
Argentina vs. Algeria
June 16 at 8 p.m.
This is the Group J opener for both nations, and it’ll be a prime-time affair in Kansas City.
Worth noting: Argentina will be trying to become just the third nation to win consecutive World Cup titles, joining Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962).
Curaçao vs. Ecuador
June 20 at 7 p.m.
This will be the second match in Group E for both teams, and there will be a curiosity gap here since most KC fans likely won’t know much about either side.
Worth noting: Ecuador finished second in South American World Cup qualifying behind Argentina, but ahead of Brazil and Uruguay. Curaçao is the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup.
Netherlands vs. Tunisia
June 25 at 6 p.m.
This is the Group F finale for both teams, and they may need to win to ensure winning the group.
Worth noting: The Netherlands has star power of its own with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Austria vs. Algeria
June 27 at 9 p.m.
This is the final Group J match for the teams, which could still be alive for the top spot
Worth noting: Austria won its group at the 2024 European Championships, beating out France, Poland and the Netherlands.
Round of 32 match
July 3 at 8:30 p.m.
Group K winner vs. third-place finisher from Group D, E, I, J or L. The U.S. team could possibly end up here.
Quarterfinal match
July 11 at 8 p.m.
The dreamers are already hoping this will be Lionel Messi and Argentina against Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. It would be an epic match.
This story was originally published December 6, 2025 at 11:59 AM.
