World champion Argentina to face Iceland in soccer showdown at Auburn University
AUBURN, Ala. (WAKA) – Current soccer world champion Argentina will meet Iceland in an internationally-significant soccer match at Jordan-Hare Stadium at Auburn University.
FILE – Argentina’s Lionel Messi lifts the trophy after winning the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, on Dec. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)
The game will be Tuesday, June 9, at 7:30PM CDT.
The match, part of Road to 26 presented by Turkish Airlines, leading up to the World Cup in North America this summer, will be the first international soccer game to be played at the historic football stadium.
“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 athletics director John Cohen said. “This exhibition between Argentina and Iceland will bring worldwide attention and exposure to Auburn and our community.”
Argentina sits at third in the latest FIFA world rankings and boasts a roster of superstars led by Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the world’s most recognizable players.
The three-time World Champions’ only previous meeting with Iceland came in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, when Iceland used its first-ever World Cup goal to force a stunning 1-1 draw. The result — and the thunderous Viking clap Iceland’s supporters performed in the aftermath — became one of the defining images of that tournament. This will be Iceland’s first visit to the United States since 2016.
“We look forward to the exhibition between Argentina and Iceland and to welcoming visitors from around the world to experience Auburn’s world-class hospitality,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “Athletic events have long been an economic driver for our community, boosting our local retailers, restaurants and hotels while providing a way for fans to have a special experience together in the heart of our city. We appreciate the hard work of Auburn Athletics and Auburn University in bringing this event to Auburn.”
Tickets for the match will start at only $45 and will go on sale on Wednesday, April 15, at 9AM CDT. Fans may register for exclusive pre-sale access at RoadTo26.com.
“We are thrilled to partner with Unified Events and Florida Citrus Sports to bring this exceptional event to the Auburn community as we continue to strengthen Auburn’s position as a premier destination for live entertainment in the Southeast,” said Rhett Hobart, Auburn Deputy AD/External Affairs and Chief Revenue Officer. “To see the defending FIFA World Cup champions compete on Pat Dye Field will mark a unique milestone in Jordan-Hare Stadium’s iconic history and will be an incredible experience for the Auburn family, our community and guests.”
FILE – Jordan-Hare Stadium at Auburn University opened in 1939 and can seat nearly 88,000 fans. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Now in its 87th year, Jordan-Hare Stadium has been home to Auburn football and previously hosted concerts and the Alabama High School state football championships.
The Road to 26, a series of high-profile soccer matches co-promoted by Unified Events and Florida Citrus Sports (FCS), kicked off in March and features giants such as Brazil, France, Colombia and Egypt. The current schedule of matches is included below.
— Information from Auburn University
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