New Delhi: The road to the 2026 World Cup finally feels real after Friday’s draw laid down the map for football’s biggest show. Names were pulled out one after another at the Kennedy Centre in Washington, shaping a tournament that will stretch across 48 teams and 104 matches in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Now, at the top of the spotlight on Saturday were the defending champions Argentina, learning they will begin their title defence against Algeria.

The moment carried weight not because of the opponents but because of the man at the centre of it all. Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 during the tournament, his not officially committed, but it would shock the football world if he opts out of what would be a record sixth World Cup appearance. Argentina will follow their Algeria open

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