Argentina face Mexico in the World Cup group stage of the expanded 2026 tournament, where 48 teams compete across Canada, Mexico and the United States in 12 groups of four.
Storylines
- Mexico are co-hosts, making every meeting with El Tri feel louder and more hostile in North America.
- The new 104-match format rewards depth — Scaloni's bench management matters from the opening week.
- Argentina's attacking structure around Messi and Álvarez remains the headline tactical question.
Player to watch
Julián Álvarez
Forward · #9
Two goals and a man-of-the-match display in his first World Cup opener as a starter.
Head to head
36
Played
16
Argentina
14
Draws
6
Mexico