Argentina to play World Cup tune-ups at Texas A&M, Auburn

Defending champion Argentina will conclude its preparations for this summer's World Cup with a pair of friendlies at iconic college football stadiums in early June.

Argentina, led by eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, will face Honduras on June 6 at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, and will take on Iceland on June 9 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., before heading to its base camp in Kansas City.

Kyle Field, where Texas AM plays, hosted a Mexico-Brazil friendly in 2024 that drew a crowd of 85,249.

"We look forward to seeing international soccer return to Kyle Field, especially ahead of the World Cup this summer," Texas AM athletic director Trev Alberts said in a statement.

"This is a very exciting time for soccer across the world as well as in the state of Texas. It will be a great opportunity to welcome fans from all over to our campus and one of the most elite venues in college sports. We are always looking to advance the brand of Texas AM to grow its established global reach and impact. We know hosting these kinds of events emphasizes that strategy and allows us to continue expanding our footprint."

This will be the first international soccer match in Jordan-Hare Stadium's 87-year history.

"To have the reigning FIFA World Cup champions choose Auburn as the site of their last match before defending their title represents a tremendous achievement and an incredible opportunity for Auburn Athletics and Auburn University," Auburn athletic director John Cohen said in a statement.

"This match will bring worldwide attention and exposure to Auburn and our community."

Argentina, No. 3 in the FIFA world rankings, is in Group J of this year's World Cup -- the largest ever with 48 teams -- in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

It officially begins its title defense June 16 vs. Algeria in Kansas City. Austria and Jordan are also in the group.

--Field Level Media