Argentina at FIFA World Cup 2026: Will Defending Champions Repeat?

There's nothing more precious in the footballing pantheon than defending the World Cup trophy as it did Argentina's first time around in 2022. As reigning world champions, the Albiceleste arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America — a tournament that is likely the last that football's greatest ever player will be involved in. As of the opening match on June 11, Messi will be 39 years old, having finally achieved everything he could have imagined by lifting the trophy in Doha four years ago.

Millions of Argentine fans, whether residing in Buenos Aires, Rosario, or scattered in cities around the world from Madrid to Miami, are hoping to be part of a rare chance in sporting history — a second back-to-back World Cup victory. If you're planning on going to Argentina's games, you should be booking your World Cup 2026 Tickets now, as they are likely to be among the most in-demand of all the games at the competition.

Will Argentina Be Successful in Defending the World Cup?

Nobody since Brazil in 1958 and 1962 has been able to win the tournament as defending champions, and Argentina have their task cut out. But this isn't an Argentina side that is slipping backwards. In a team featuring many of the same players who won in Qatar, the defence remains solid, the midfield is world-class, and even with a forward line led by a 39-year-old Messi, the potential to create goals is still very much there.

As the second-highest ranked team in the tournament behind Spain, Argentina will not meet them until the final — if at all. For a top side, reaching the final is a requirement. Whether they can do it is another question, which can only be answered once Argentina get to that point. It won't come easy, but if their 2022 World Cup success was anything to go by, they'll find a way.

Visa Requirements for Argentine Football Fans Visiting North America

For Argentine fans intending to follow La Albiceleste at the tournament on the ground, knowing the entry requirements of each of the three host nations is necessary.

United States: As Argentina is not a member of the US Visa Waiver Programme, Argentine citizens must possess a valid B-1/B-2 tourist visa in order to enter the country. The US Department of State has set up a dedicated page for World Cup visa applications at state.gov/fifa-world-cup-26-visas, which outlines the full application process, required documents, and current expected processing timeframes. There are already reports of delays in obtaining visa appointments at the US Consulate in Buenos Aires — if you have not yet started the process, now is the time. Requirements include completing the DS-160 form, providing a valid passport, financial statements, and proof of booked flights and accommodation. Starting three to four months in advance is the minimum.

Canada: Argentine citizens arriving in Canada by air are only required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online, which is quickly processed. Those crossing into Canada by land from the US will need a visitor visa. Canada will not be a key destination for most Argentine fans, but anyone routing through Canadian airports should verify entry requirements before travelling.

Mexico: Argentine citizens have visa-free access to Mexico for up to 180 days, making Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey viable base-camp locations for the first few weeks of the tournament — without the complexity of a US visa application. Given the long-standing rivalry between the two nations, Mexican host cities will carry their own special energy for Argentine fans.

Host Cities to Consider for Argentine Fans

Argentina's group stage fixtures are expected to be played across US host cities, with the knockout rounds potentially routing the team through MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, AT&T Stadium in Dallas, and Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The World Cup Final takes place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium — and given Argentina's history in this competition, it would be foolish not to plan for the possibility of being there.

Miami is an attractive option given the number of Argentine citizens who live there. The suburbs of Weston and Doral, nicknamed "Doral-entina" for their density of Argentine restaurants and businesses, will feel like a home away from home. If you want to watch Argentina in Miami, chances are you will be surrounded by your countrymen — either inside the venue or in the fan zones set up throughout the city.

New York/New Jersey will host the marquee matches, with MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford selected as the site of the Final. The greater New York area will be the epicentre of World Cup excitement during the knockout phase — fans who can make this region their base for the latter stages will be exactly where the action is.

Dallas offers a solid central base for matches further south and inland, with AT&T Stadium in Arlington standing as one of the flagship venues on the host committee roster.

Accommodation: Where to Stay

Accommodation will be tight around the bigger stadiums. Some city-specific guidance:

Miami area: Staying in Weston or Doral makes sense for Argentine fans given the established community there. For those wanting proximity to nightlife alongside access to Hard Rock Stadium, Brickell and Downtown Miami are better suited.

New York/New Jersey: East Rutherford and Secaucus are the best options near MetLife Stadium. New York hotels get expensive during the knockout phase, but they offer the full city experience with NJ Transit direct match-day services to the stadium.

Los Angeles: SoFi Stadium is in Inglewood. Staying in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, or Santa Monica and taking the Metro K Line is the most practical approach for most visitors.

Dallas: Arlington sits directly between Dallas and Fort Worth and is the obvious choice for match days. For multi-night stays, downtown Dallas offers far better restaurants, amenities, and overall infrastructure — and is only a short trip from the stadium.

Use sites with free cancellation such as Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia — your accommodation needs are likely to change as Argentina progresses through the rounds.

Getting There: Flights and Internal Travel

Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE) is the primary departure hub, with direct and connecting flights into Miami, New York JFK, Los Angeles LAX, and Dallas DFW operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas, American Airlines, LATAM, and United. As with all major events, flights get more expensive the closer you get to the tournament — advice that most fans ignore and regret later.

Once in the US, American, Delta, Southwest, and others offer plenty of connections between host cities. Given that Argentina could be scheduled for matches spanning multiple cities, fans should account for possible travel disruptions — summer is always busy, and buffer time between matches is a smart precaution.

Tickets: The Nitty Gritty

The best starting point is FIFA.com for fans looking for remaining ticket allocations, official resale opportunities, or hospitality options. If those official avenues don't yield the matches you're after, stay away from Reddit posts, Facebook groups, and other social media platforms. Instead, use reputable resellers such as Ticombo or any other trusted and verified secondary marketplace who will guarantee each purchase. Prices on the resale market will be above face value. Fans buying for a group should try to ensure adjacent seats where possible — this can be difficult on the secondary market, as venues vary in how seating is configured.

Other Helpful Info for Argentine Fans

Currency: All venues deal in US Dollars. Skip the airport exchange desks — the best rates are available at ATMs or through services like Wise when converting from Argentine Peso.

Phone plans: Short-term plans with providers like Airalo's eSIM or T-Mobile are the best bet for tourists.

Health insurance: There is no public health coverage in the US for tourists. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover before you leave.

Argentine Consulates: Consulates are located in Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, and Chicago. Make sure you have the relevant contact numbers before departing.

Weather: Summers in Miami, Dallas, and Los Angeles are very hot and humid. Outdoor fan zones will test your endurance — keep yourself hydrated, especially if you're not used to sustained heat.

One Final Note

The prospect of a back-to-back World Cup win by Argentina, with Messi possibly playing in his last tournament, will captivate football fans around the world and will be watched by some of the biggest football crowds in North American history. All that's missing is a ticket.

Fans who haven't yet secured their spot in the stands shouldn't wait. Argentina World Cup 2026 Tickets are among the most sought-after in the entire competition, and the window to secure them through trusted channels is closing fast.

Argentina are here to defend. The world of football is eager to watch.

Disclaimer: Visa requirements, hotel availability, flight costs, and ticket policies are subject to change. Fans should verify all entry information with their local government, FIFA's official pages, and their airline. Ticket prices may differ from face value on the secondary market.