Group J of World Cup 2026 is the group of the defending champions. Lionel Messi's Argentina, who won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, begin their title defence against Algeria, Austria and Jordan. For Messi, at 39, this is almost certainly the last World Cup of his career: every match will be watched by the whole world, and Argentina start as favourites not only to win the group, but to go all the way. The group will be played across the United States and Mexico, with thousands of Argentina fans travelling to North America, as always happens when the Albiceleste play.

The four teams in Group J

Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan are four nations with very different stories. Argentina are the tournament favourites: defending champions, with Messi, Julian Alvarez and a settled squad led by Lionel Scaloni. Algeria are a solid African nation, with experienced players from European leagues and passionate fans. Austria are the most dangerous European team in the group: organised, physical and full of players from the best leagues. Jordan are the surprise: playing at their first World Cup, they arrive with the enthusiasm of a team with nothing to lose.

Messi and the last World Cup

Lionel Messi has said the 2026 tournament will almost certainly be his last World Cup. At 39, the Argentina captain has already won everything: the 2022 World Cup completed an unrepeatable career. Now he is chasing the feat nobody has achieved in the modern era: winning back-to-back World Cups, like Pelé. Messi arrives as the absolute leader, and every match he plays will be a world event. For Argentina, his presence is worth more than any tactic. Next to him, Julian Alvarez has become the ideal partner in attack: he runs, presses and scores, and his understanding with Messi is one of this Argentina team's greatest strengths.

Austria, the real threat in the group

Austria are the team that can ruin Argentina's plans. They are an organised national team, with a high press and players used to the modern football of Europe's big clubs. Ralf Rangnick has built a team that run, press and give opponents no time to breathe. Against Argentina, the Austrians will play the match of their lives, and against Algeria and Jordan they start with genuine hopes of second place. Underestimating Austria would be a serious mistake.

Algeria and Jordan: African pride and an Asian fairytale

Algeria are a national team with an important history: they won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and have quality players in Europe. They are a team who play with pride and know how to trouble the big teams: in 2014 they took Germany to extra time in the round of 16. Jordan, by contrast, are the fairytale of the group: the first World Cup qualification in their history, a united squad and a whole country behind them. For them, every point will be a triumph.

Key matches to watch

Argentina against Austria is the most awaited match of the group: the defending champions against the most organised team in the group. Algeria against Jordan will be a clash between two nations who know they must play for qualification in their head-to-head games. Argentina against Algeria, finally, is the match that could settle first place, if the Argentinians arrive at the final matchday already qualified.

Prediction: who advances?

Argentina should win the group, with three wins or at most one draw. Second place is a duel between Austria and Algeria: the Austrians have more organisation, the Algerians more individual talent. Jordan can take points off anyone and dream of a historic third place. Our prediction: Argentina first, Austria second, Algeria third with a chance of going through among the best third-placed teams.