Team Argentina touches down in Kansas City ahead of World Cup

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Argentina’s 2026 World Cup team landed at Kansas City International Airport around 11 a.m. Sunday, greeted by chants and cheers from fans.

The reigning World Cup champions arrived after an 11-hour flight covering more than 5,600 miles. Fans gathered at the airport to welcome the team before their first match.

“It’s part of the soccer spirit that we all have,” said Marvin Lazo, an Argentina fan. “That’s why we’re here. That’s why we came here, you know, because we follow. We love them.”

The team’s World Cup plan was hard to miss. The specially designed jet features jersey-inspired designs and Lionel Messi’s number 10 on the tail.

“I couldn’t believe that they are actually coming here,” Lazo said.

For Argentina native Gustavo Martín, who has called Kansas City home for 13 years, the arrival was a special moment.

“Pure excitement. There’s no thinking. It’s just feeling,” Martín said. “And I cannot even bring a word to what I’m feeling right now. It’s amazing.”

Martín warned Kansas City residents to prepare for the energy Argentina fans bring.

“So, bear with us. We’re very loud,” he said. “We tend to sound very aggressive, but it’s just a lot of joy pouring out.”

The team will begin preparing to defend their title at Sporting KC’s training facility in Kansas City, Kansas. Argentina is expected to start practicing Sunday at Sporting KC’s Compass Minerals National Performance Center.

Argentina’s first match is June 16 against Algeria.

Argentina is the first of four base camp teams to arrive in Kansas City. The Netherlands, England and Algeria are expected in the next few weeks.

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The Argentine Football Association said the delegation includes: