Argentina Finalizing Pre-World Cup Friendly Against Honduras in U.S.

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Days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi's Argentina national team is in negotiations to play a pre-tournament friendly match against Honduras in the United States. The match would take place in the June FIFA window, with Argentina likely using the game to build competitive rhythm ahead of their World Cup opener against Algeria.

Why it matters

Argentina is the reigning World Cup champion, and playing a friendly against a lower-ranked opponent like Honduras will allow them to fine-tune their tactics and lineup without risking injury to key players. The match would also mirror Argentina's successful 2022 World Cup preparation, when they defeated Honduras 3-0 in Miami.

The details

Negotiations are progressing well for Argentina to face Honduras in the U.S. ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The match would take place in the June FIFA window, just days before the tournament begins. Argentina is likely to select a lower-ranked opponent like Honduras, currently 65th in the FIFA rankings, to minimize fatigue and potential injuries to their star-studded squad.

• The June FIFA window is when the match would take place, shortly before the start of the 2026 World Cup.
• In September 2022, Argentina defeated Honduras 3-0 in a pre-World Cup friendly in Miami.

What’s next

The details of the friendly match, including the exact date and venue, are still being finalized. Once confirmed, Argentina will use the match to prepare for their World Cup opener against Algeria.