Group J

Spain 1982. Algeria beat West Germany 2-1. It remains one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, and it planted Algerian football in the consciousness of anyone who follows the game deeply. Forty-four years later, Algeria are in the same group as the current world champions. If you believe in football narratives — and you should — Group J has one of the best in the tournament.

Argentina: Defending the Dream

Argentina won in Qatar. Messi finally won the one trophy that had eluded him, and the images of him lifting the World Cup in his captain’s armband — crying, disbelieving, then radiantly happy — were among the most moving in the sport’s recent history. He will be 39 in 2026. He may not play the full tournament. The question of whether he is there at all, and in what capacity, overshadows everything.

But Argentina without Messi is not a bad team. Julián Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul — they have the backbone to compete without relying on one genius. The expectation will be enormous. Defending champions rarely repeat, but Argentina will not go quietly.

Their opener against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16th at 8pm local time is appointment television.

Algeria: The 1982 Connection

Algeria’s 1982 upset of West Germany remains a touchstone of World Cup history. They qualified again in 2014 and reached the round of 16. The current generation is technically better than those famous predecessors, with players throughout European leagues. Riyad Mahrez’s era defined a decade of Algerian football, and the next generation needs to define the next. Facing the defending champions in their group opener is the kind of challenge that either breaks a team or forges it.

Jordan vs Algeria on June 22nd in San Francisco is the match that determines who competes for second. Algeria need to win it.

Austria: The Most Dangerous Third Fixture

Austria are quietly excellent at the moment. The Bundesliga generation — David Alaba’s era ending, Marcel Sabitzer leading the midfield, Patrick Wimmer providing width — has made Austria a side that does not lose games to teams below them. They are not flashy but they are functional and increasingly capable of upsets. Their match against Argentina on June 22nd in Dallas is the most dangerous second-round fixture for the Albiceleste.

Jordan: Writing New History

Jordan at a World Cup is a first. Asian football’s expansion in the 48-team format has opened the door for nations who were perpetually close but never quite through. The Jordanian national team has real quality built around their AFC Champions League participants. They will not win the group, but they will compete, and for the Arab world, their presence alongside Algeria carries cultural significance.

Must-watch match: Argentina vs Algeria, June 16th, Kansas City. Historical resonance, defending champions against a team with one of football’s great upset stories in their heritage.

Bold prediction: Argentina win the group. Austria advance as a well-organized second place after beating Jordan in the third round. Algeria’s journey ends in the group stage, but they make Argentina work for every point.