Group J
Standings, fixtures, scenarios, and group predictor
Argentina's title defense starts here
Lionel Scaloni’s side won’t have it easy despite being favorites. Algeria’s 2025 AFCON squad could feature Mahrez’s successor Ismaël Bennacer, while Austria’s David Alaba aims to prove his Real Madrid form translates internationally. Jordan stunned South Korea in Asian qualifying but face a brutal step up. Argentina’s opener in Houston’s NRG Stadium sets the tone — 100,000 will watch Messi’s heir (likely Julián Álvarez) begin their legacy.
Algeria’s revenge mission
The Desert Foxes still seethe over their 2014 World Cup group exit via Germany’s last-minute winner. Coach Djamel Belmadi has rebuilt around Serie A’s Houssem Aouar and Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy. Their clash with Austria in Toronto could decide second place — both teams rely on compact midfields, but Algeria’s wingers exploit wider MLS pitches better.
Jordan’s historic underdog fight
Their qualification over Uzbekistan was decided by a 119th-minute penalty. Center back Yazan Al-Arab anchors a defense that conceded just four goals in AFC’s final round, but facing Lautaro Martínez in Mexico City’s altitude is another beast. Realistic goal: don’t finish bottom. Their matchday three duel with Austria might decide that.
Standings
Fixtures
| Match | Date | Group | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Argentina vs  AlgeriaEstadio Kansas City | Wed, Jun 17, 2026 · 02:00 ET | j | – | Scheduled |
 Austria vs  JordanEstadio San Francisco Bay Area | Wed, Jun 17, 2026 · 05:00 ET | j | – | Scheduled |
| Argentina vs AustriaEstadio Dallas | Mon, Jun 22, 2026 · 18:00 ET | j | – | Scheduled |
| Jordan vs AlgeriaEstadio San Francisco Bay Area | Tue, Jun 23, 2026 · 04:00 ET | j | – | Scheduled |
| Algeria vs AustriaEstadio Kansas City | Sun, Jun 28, 2026 · 03:00 ET | j | – | Scheduled |
| Jordan vs ArgentinaEstadio Dallas | Sun, Jun 28, 2026 · 03:00 ET | j | – | Scheduled |
Qualification rules
Top two in Group J advance to the Round of 32. Third place enters the pool of twelve third-placed teams; the best eight on points, goal difference, and goals scored join the knockout bracket.
Scenarios
Use the predictor below to test scorelines. A win is three points, a draw one. Goal difference matters when points are level.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Group J play?+
Houston (Argentina vs Jordan), Toronto (Austria vs Algeria), and Mexico City (Algeria vs Argentina).
Can third place qualify from Group J?+
Yes, if they finish among the top eight third-placed teams across all groups. Goal difference will likely decide it.
When was Austria’s last World Cup?+
1998. They famously drew 1-1 with Chile in Marseille with Toni Polster’s equalizer.
Has Argentina ever faced Jordan before?+
No. This is their first competitive meeting — Jordan’s only prior match against South American opposition was a 2014 friendly loss to Uruguay.