World champions Argentina will take on Algeria in Kansas City while Austria and Jordan lock horns in Santa Clara, Canada. Lionel Messi and co will then travel to Texas to face European opponents Austria before taking on Jordan at the same venue in Arlington.
Jordan will play their first two matches against Austria and Algeria in Santa Clara, while Algeria start and finish in Kansas City, with a trip to Santa Clara in round two.
Everyone will be keen to see how Argentina tackle Group J, who are widely expected to make light work of their opponents - but will that be the case?
World Cup tipster
Nathan Joyes will be making predictions on
all World Cup betting markets
throughout the tournament and is on hand to go through Lionel Scaloni’s side and the three other nations hoping to cause a surprise of their own.
Group J Team analysis
Argentina
When Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup trophy in Qatar four years ago, many presumed that would be his last for his beloved nation. Yet that wasn’t to be his last dance, and the 38-year-old is very much still a key part of Scaloni’s squad taking place in Messi’s new back yard.
Argentina finished top of the CONMEBOL qualifying with 38 points from 18 matches - comfortably finishing nine points ahead of Ecuador in 2nd - and 10 points in front of Brazil back in 5th.
However, for all the stars within their squad, their preparation hasn’t been ideal. Since their qualifying campaign finished, they have faced Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Angola, Mauritania and Zambia in friendlies. Honduras and Iceland await - but Argentina haven’t been able to line up a testing fixture - far from ideal preparation before looking to defend their crown.
Argentina may have won all those friendlies to date, but that won’t worry those at the top of the betting, and it could be a shock to the system when they come up against
who the favourites are to win the tournament.
Austria
Austria finished top of their World Cup qualifying campaign with next to no fuss. Bosnia fell short but joined them via the play-offs, perhaps indicating how impressive Austria were as they picked up 19 points from eight matches.
Led by Ralf Rangnick, FIFA’s no.24 in the world will have to be taken seriously this summer. His preferred 4-2-3-1 formation has been a hit with both the players and fans alike, which allows for more creativity in the final third.
Marko Arnautovic (37) continues to lead the line but after scoring eight during qualifying as well as Red Star Belgrade’s top goal contributor this season, there’s plenty of life left in the forward.
In behind, Leipzig’s Christoph Baumgartner (26) has had a sensational season in Germany producing over 20 goal contributions - his presence on the pitch will prove invaluable for Austria.
This well organised side may go under the radar, but they can safely make it out of Group J if they perform at their best.
Algeria
AFCON quarter-finalists Algeria will prove to be a stern test for all three nations in Group J. Don’t be fooled by their early exit against Nigeria - Vladimir Petkovic’s side can be a real threat on their day.
Their head coach prefers to adopt a 4-4-2 formation but that may change when coming up against Argentina. Still, Algeria won’t just sit back and soak up pressure, especially with the attacking options they have at their disposal.
The obvious starting point is with Al Ahli’s Riyad Mahrez. Although 35, his vision and set pieces are still a key part of his game and integral to Algeria’s success. In front of the former Man City winger you’ll find Wolfsburg’s Mohamed Amoura, who’s scored goals for fun since moving to Europe.
This will be their first World Cup since Brazil 2014, but on that occasion they did reach the knockout stage - which will be Petkovic’s number one aim this summer.
Jordan
Jordan will make their first appearance at a World Cup having qualified in 2nd spot behind South Korea last year. Edging out Iraq by one point, who will also join their Asian representatives, Jordan were more than worthy of their achievement.
Having only conceded eight goals in 10 matches, as well as drawing with South Korea in their own back yard, Jordan went on to finish runners-up in the FIFA Arab Cup last year, losing to Morocco in extra-time.
Draws against Costa Rica and Nigeria have followed, yet tough tests against Colombia and Switzerland await at the end of May - which will be an opportunity to see how they can contest against stronger nations.
A main concern for Jordan will depend on the fitness of their top goalscorer during qualifiers. Yazan Al Naimat scored five of their 16 goals but he’s been injured for the entirety of 2026 - and his absence could be what limits any success in Group J.
Argentina will win Group J. That’s probably one of the biggest bankers of the tournament. Flawless throughout qualifying and a wide range of players to use across their three matches, Lionel Scaloni’s side won’t have any real issues in this weak looking group.
Admittedly, their preparation hasn’t been ideal but there’s only Austria to be worried about in this group. Seven points could seal top spot - and although 1/3 in the
World Cup odds
may sound short, it should arguably be 1/5+ based on the opponents they’ll be facing.
All eyes will be on Lionel Messi, but there’s so much more depth to this Argentine squad than just the Inter Miami forward. And with Scaloni looking to win three major tournaments on the bounce, their incredible head coach will have learnt plenty from their group stage in Qatar four years ago. Keep it simple and be rewarded in Group J.
Qualifiers: Austria at 1/5
It will be a huge shock if Austria don’t follow Argentina to the knockout stage. Rangnick has done an excellent job and he too has options that can really hurt opponents in the final third. Both Algeria and Jordan have limitations - and aren’t used to World Cup appearances - and if Austria adapt to their new environment, they should have no issues getting out of this group.
Longshot team to watch: Austria at 150/1 E/W
Punters will be eyeing up Algeria to secure qualification to the knockout stage but instead of looking at their odds-on price, Austria could be a nation to back and cash out for profit later in the tournament.
Aside from Argentina, there shouldn’t be many issues for Rangnick’s men, and a generous looking draw in the knockout stage could carry them an extra round or two. They’ve been scoring for fun for quite some time now, and having options in attacking positions is exactly what will win football matches in major tournaments.
Austria are highly unlikely to win the World Cup, but they can easily outrun their odds and provide an opportunity to cash out for a small profit once qualified for the knockout stage. We have a list of
free bets for the World Cup
and redeeming one to back Austria could be a good betting tactic.
If Austria can manage to qualify as one of the best placed third teams, then a fixture againt the winners of a group that contains Portugal awaits in the round of 32. So the Austrians will be keeping an eye on
how Group K is shaping up.
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