Argentina will begin its World Cup title defense against Algeria, according to the official tournament draw conducted Friday and attended by international leaders.
The Associated Press reports that Argentina’s group also includes Austria, setting up one of the most-watched opening matches of the expanded 48-team event.
Meanwhile, the United States learned it will start group play against Paraguay on June 12 at Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium.
That match will come one day after Mexico hosts the tournament opener against South Africa.
The draw unfolded at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney each selected the balls representing their own national teams.
FIFA organizers stretched the ceremony to nearly the length of a full soccer match—the actual draw did not begin until the 87th minute of the show.
Crowds gathered outside the complex before sunrise despite snow and cold conditions.
Workers, reporters and other attendees passed through layers of Secret Service security as world soccer officials, former athletes and celebrities filled the hall.
The event took place 189 days before kickoff of the 104-game tournament, the largest in World Cup history.
Earlier in the program, FIFA presented its first peace prize to Trump, who has publicly campaigned to earn a Nobel Peace Prize.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino handed Trump a large gold-colored trophy and a medal on a blue ribbon, which Trump placed around his neck as Infantino offered praise.
“This is truly one of the great honors of my life,” Trump said.
A red carpet lined the entrance, where Trump and his supporters appeared alongside retired sports stars Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky and MLB standout Aaron Judge.
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand helped lead the draw ceremony.
The field includes all 11 of FIFA’s highest-ranked teams.
No. 12 Italy and 21 additional nations will compete in playoffs scheduled through March 31 to claim the final six spots.
Beginning with the quarterfinals, all knockout-stage games will take place in the United States, which plans to use 11 NFL stadiums as host sites.
FIFA said it will announce the bulk of match locations and kickoff times on Saturday.
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