World Cup 2026 Group J Preview: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Messi's farewell party is headlined by a favorable draw in the group stage at the 2026 World Cup. If La Albiceleste can nab wins against Jordan and Austria, it's probably enough to make it through. For my money, Algeria offer the biggest threat, but Austria are probably the most disciplined group in terms of playstyle. Here's what to know.

Argentina (La Albiceleste)

Coach Lionel Scaloni

Hot take. Argentina drew a favorable group and should get into the round of 16 without so much as a muscle strain.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "No team has retained the World Cup since Brazil in 1962."

Word from home. Coverage from home is on the fact that Argentina gets another chance at glory.

“The train doesn’t come by twice, but the Scaloneta does. You’ll know when to get it moving." Lionel Scaloni, La Nacion

The story. Lionel Scaloni kept the 2022 champions core largely intact, with Messi confirmed for a sixth World Cup.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives the holders a 96.7 percent chance of the round of 32, bettered only by Spain and Brazil, and rates them the fourth-favorites for the title at 10.4 percent.

One thing to read. Diego Maradona: The Child Genius Who Became the Fulfillment of a Prophecy, The Guardian (2020)

Algeria (Desert Warriors)

Coach Vladimir Petkovic

Hot take. Algeria knocks Austria down into third, taking the second spot in the group behind the firepower of Mahrez.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Algeria are back at a World Cup after a 12-year absence."

Word from home. Algerian media read into Petkovic's squad selection:

"Petkovic’s list appears to combine experience and vitality." Al24news

The story. Riyad Mahrez is the elder statesman on this team, but the young movement is real, from Rayan Ait-Nouri to Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives Algeria a 57.1 percent chance of the knockouts, third in the group behind Argentina and Austria.

One thing to read. The Day in 1982 When the World Wept for Algeria, The Guardian (2010)

Austria (Unsere Burschen)

Coach Ralf Rangnick

Hot take. Austria seem like one of those teams where you know one or two players, but they absolutely crush you with the high press.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Austria are at their first World Cup since 1998."

Word from home. Herbert Prohaska, a former Austria national team member, spoke about expectations, and if the team fails to exit the group stage:

"almost embarrassing." Herbert Prohaska, Kicker

The story. Ralf Rangnick is the man who popularized gegenpressing, so you can expect this team to counter-press, win the ball back, and get a ton of yellow cards.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer makes Austria the second-likeliest to advance from Group J at 67.4 percent.

One thing to read. Austria's Wunderteam: The Godfathers of Football's Soul, Game of the People (2017)

Jordan (Al-Nashama)

Coach Jamal Sellami

Hot take. A first World Cup that will not be a tourist trip. Al-Tamari is good enough to win Jordan a game nobody expects.

One thing to know that'll make you sound smart to your friends. "Jordan are led by Moussa Al-Tamari, a winger that the team's fans lovingly refer to as 'the Messi of Jordan.'"

Word from home. Coach Jamal Sellami, ahead of a first-ever World Cup:

"We have the right to dream." Jamal Sellami, the AFC

The story. Mousa Tamari will slot in at midfield and lead the team. At Rennes this past season, he ranked in the 99th percentile in shot attempts, according to FotMob, and the 93rd percentile in goals for his position. He's good.

Head vs. heart. Opta's supercomputer gives debutants Jordan just a 40.9 percent chance of the round of 32. A win or a draw would be an honorable showing for the squad.

One thing to read. Jordan's Golden Football Generation: Four Decades in the Making, Jordan Times (2026).

Group J: Fixtures to watch / predictions

Fixtures to watch.

• Tue, Jun 16: Argentina vs Algeria, 9:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Wed, Jun 17: Austria vs Jordan, 12:00 a.m. ET (FS1 / Telemundo)
• Mon, Jun 22: Argentina vs Austria, 1:00 p.m. ET (FOX / Telemundo)
• Sat, Jun 27: Algeria vs Austria, 10:00 p.m. ET (FS1 / Universo)

The call.