Group J

ArgentinaPredicted to qualify94%

Defending champions, ranked 3rd, Messi at 38 for one last go. Scaloni has built one of the most complete squads in world football. Will top this group.

AustriaPredicted to qualify68%

Ranked 24th, first World Cup since 1998, Rangnick has them well-organised, Alaba leads, Sabitzer and Laimer in midfield. Should qualify in second place.

Algeria42%

Ranked 34th, Petkovic has experience. Physical and hard to beat. Will battle Austria hard for second place.

Jordan14%

Making their World Cup debut. A historic achievement. Facing Argentina first is enormous but they will compete with heart and passion.

Who is in World Cup 2026 Group J?

Group J contains Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Argentina open their defence of the World Cup trophy against Algeria on June 16 at MetLife Stadium in New York.

Will Argentina qualify from Group J at World Cup 2026?

Argentina are overwhelming favourites to qualify from Group J and defend their World Cup title. At 94% odds, Messi's final World Cup squad is one of the most complete in the tournament.

Is Messi playing at World Cup 2026?

Yes, Lionel Messi is expected to lead Argentina at World Cup 2026 at the age of 38. It will be his fifth and almost certainly final World Cup — and he arrives as the defending champion looking to go out on the ultimate high.

Who will win World Cup 2026 Group J?

Argentina are predicted to win Group J. Austria are expected to qualify in second place after their remarkable comeback under Rangnick. Algeria will push them close with the direct clash on June 24 being decisive.