2026 FIFA World Cup Group J: Schedule, Standings & Prediction
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Group J features the defending champions, one of Africa’s most storied football nations, one of Europe’s most improved sides, and a nation making its first-ever World Cup appearance. Argentina arrive as title holders under Lionel Scaloni, seeking to become the first back-to-back champions since Brazil in 1962.
Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, led by veteran captain Riyad Mahrez in what is almost certainly his final major tournament. Austria qualify for their first World Cup in 28 years under Ralf Rangnick. Jordan make their historic debut after qualifying through the AFC for the first time in their history.
Group J carries stories that will define careers. Lionel Messi, at 38, has publicly expressed uncertainty about whether he will play, but Scaloni has confirmed he will do everything possible to get his captain to North America. Nicolas Otamendi broke down in tears at La Bombonera after the Zambia friendly, announcing his retirement from international football after 2026.
Algeria’s golden generation, with Mahrez, Slimani and Aouar, gets one last shot at a World Cup knockout round after their famous 2014 run. Jordan’s Musa Al-Taamari, the first Jordanian to play in Ligue 1, leads a side that stunned South Korea in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup semi-finals.
The top two teams advance automatically to the Round of 32. Third place can also advance as one of the eight best third-place finishers. Argentina vs Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City and Algeria vs Austria on June 27 in Kansas City are the two matches that will decide who joins Argentina in the next round.
2026 FIFA World Cup Group J Teams
| Team | Confederation | FIFA Rank (Apr 2026) | WC Appearances | Pot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | CONMEBOL | #3 | 19th | 1 |
| Algeria | CAF | #28 | 5th | 2 |
| Austria | UEFA | #24 | 8th | 3 |
| Jordan | AFC | #63 | 1st (debut) | 4 |
Group J Match Schedule 2026
All times are Eastern Time (ET). FOX and FS1 broadcast in English. Telemundo and Universo cover Spanish broadcasts. All matches stream on Peacock.
Matchday 1 (Tuesday, June 16)
| Match | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs Algeria | 9:00 PM | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO |
| Austria vs Jordan | 12:00 AM (June 17) | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA |
Matchday 2 (Monday, June 22)
| Match | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs Austria | 1:00 PM | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX |
| Jordan vs Algeria | 11:00 PM | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA |
Matchday 3 (Saturday, June 27)
Both Matchday 3 games kick off simultaneously at 10:00 PM ET on June 27. Algeria vs Austria in Kansas City decides second place in Group J.
| Match | Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jordan vs Argentina | 10:00 PM | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX |
| Algeria vs Austria | 10:00 PM | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO |
Group J Standings
Standings update after June 16, 2026.
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | Algeria | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | Austria | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Jordan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- Top 2 teams advance automatically to the Round of 32
- Best 8 third-place teams across all 12 groups also advance
- 4 points is close to a guaranteed third-place advancement; 3 points requires a strong goal difference
Tiebreaker order: Goal difference > Goals scored > Head-to-head points > Head-to-head goal difference > Head-to-head goals scored > Fair play score > FIFA ranking
Venue Guide: Where Group J Matches Are Played
| Match | Stadium | City | Capacity | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs Algeria | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, MO | 76,416 | Hosts two Group J matches |
| Austria vs Jordan | Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara, CA | 68,500 | Hosts two Group J matches |
| Argentina vs Austria | AT&T Stadium | Arlington, TX | 80,000 | Hosts two Group J matches |
| Jordan vs Algeria | Levi’s Stadium | Santa Clara, CA | 68,500 | Same venue as MD1 Jordan match |
| Jordan vs Argentina | AT&T Stadium | Arlington, TX | 80,000 | Same venue as MD2 Argentina match |
| Algeria vs Austria | Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, MO | 76,416 | Same venue as MD1 Argentina match |
Group J matches are spread across three cities. AT&T Stadium in Arlington is the largest Group J venue at 80,000 capacity. Argentina play both their Matchday 2 and Matchday 3 matches in Texas.
How to Watch Group J Matches
| Country | TV Channel | Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| USA | FOX, FS1, Telemundo, Universo | Peacock, FOX Sports App |
| UK | ITV, BBC | ITVX, BBC iPlayer |
| Canada | CTV, TSN, RDS | TSN+, CTV GO |
| Australia | SBS | SBS On Demand |
| Argentina | TyC Sports, TV Publica | TyC Sports Play |
| Algeria | ENTV, beIN Sports | beIN Sports Connect |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV | ORF TVthek |
| Jordan | Jordan TV, beIN Sports | beIN Sports Connect |
| Mexico | Televisa, TV Azteca, TUDN | ViX |
| France | M6, beIN Sports | 54 matches on M6 free |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF | ARD and ZDF free to air |
Fans in other countries can check the full global broadcaster list at 2026 FIFA World Cup TV channels and broadcasting rights.
Group J Team Analysis and Preview
Argentina
Manager: Lionel Scaloni (since 2018)
Scaloni won Copa America, the World Cup, and Copa America again in succession, an unprecedented treble for any Argentine coach. He aims to become the first manager since Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo (1934 and 1938) to win back-to-back World Cups. In March 2026, Argentina beat Mauritania 2-1 then won 5-0 over Zambia. Messi scored his 116th international goal against Zambia. Otamendi announced his international retirement. Scaloni confirmed Messi will be in the squad.
Key players: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, 38, 116 goals), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan, Serie A top scorer), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa, GK), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Cristian Romero (Tottenham). Injury concerns: Juan Foyth (ACL, out), Rodrigo De Paul (muscle, doubtful).
World Cup record: 19 appearances. Won 1978, 1986, 2022. Defending champions.
Last appearance: 2022 champions. Beat France 4-2 on penalties after 3-3 AET in final.
Algeria
Manager: Vladimir Petkovic (since February 2024)
Petkovic previously managed Switzerland for seven years, leading them to Euro 2020 quarter-finals and 2018 World Cup R16. He replaced Belmadi after two consecutive AFCON group-stage exits. Algeria arrived in superb March form, beating Guatemala 7-0 and drawing 0-0 with Uruguay. They have scored first in eight of their last nine matches. Algeria topped CAF qualifying with 8 wins from 10.
Key players: Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli, captain, 107 caps), Houssem Aouar (creative midfielder), Mohammed Amoura (Wolfsburg), Amine Gouiri (Marseille, scored twice vs Guatemala), Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund), Rayan Ait-Nouri (Manchester City), Ismael Bennacer (AC Milan), Islam Slimani (veteran striker, 101 caps).
World Cup record: 5 appearances (1982, 1986, 2010, 2014, 2026). First since 2014.
Best finish: Round of 16 (2014). Beat West Germany in 1982 in one of the biggest WC upsets ever.
Austria
Manager: Ralf Rangnick (since 2022)
Rangnick pioneered gegenpressing football at RB Leipzig and transformed Austrian football. He guided them to Euro 2024 where they topped a group containing France and the Netherlands. Austria won their UEFA qualifying group with 6 wins and 1 draw, including a 10-0 win over San Marino. In March 2026, they beat Ghana 5-1 and South Korea 1-0. Sabitzer scored or assisted in both wins.
Key players: David Alaba (Real Madrid, captain, 111 caps), Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund), Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich), Marko Arnautovic (37, all-time top scorer 47 goals in 130 apps), Michael Gregoritsch (Freiburg), Nicolas Seiwald (RB Leipzig), Carney Chukwuemeka (switched from England).
World Cup record: 8 appearances. First since 1998 (28-year gap).
Best finish: Third place (1954). Austria scored 17 goals in that tournament and beat Switzerland 7-5, the highest-scoring match in World Cup history.
Jordan
Manager: Jamal Sellami (since June 2024)
Sellami is a Moroccan coach who won the 2018 African Nations Championship with Morocco and the CAF Confederation Cup with Raja Casablanca. He replaced Ammouta after the AFC Asian Cup run. Jordan qualified through the AFC Third Round, finishing second behind South Korea, securing their spot with a 3-0 win over Oman on June 5, 2025. In December 2025, Jordan reached the FIFA Arab Cup final.
Key players: Musa Al-Taamari (Rennes, captain, first Jordanian to play in Ligue 1), Yazan Al-Arab (CB, Korean league), Mohannad Abu Taha (forward), Ali Olwan (forward), Ibrahim Sadeh (midfielder), Abu Laila (GK).
World Cup record: 1st appearance. First-ever World Cup debut.
Notable: Reached the 2023 AFC Asian Cup final, beating South Korea 2-0 in the semi-final. Jordan’s FIFA ranking rose to 70th after that run, their highest since 2014.
Head-to-Head Records
| Matchup | Record | Last Result | World Cup H2H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs Algeria | Argentina edge (1 meeting) | Argentina 4-3 (2007 friendly) | 0 |
| Argentina vs Austria | Argentina edge (3 meetings) | 1-1 draw (1990 friendly) | 0 |
| Argentina vs Jordan | Never met | First ever June 27 | 0 |
| Algeria vs Austria | Never met | First ever June 27 | 0 |
| Algeria vs Jordan | Never met | First ever June 22 | 0 |
| Austria vs Jordan | Never met | First ever June 16 | 0 |
Four of the six Group J matchups are first-ever meetings. Argentina and Algeria have met only once, a 4-3 friendly in 2007. Argentina and Austria have met three times, all friendlies, last meeting in 1990. None of the Group J teams have ever met at a World Cup.
Why Group J Is Interesting
- Messi, at 38, is undecided about playing. Scaloni confirmed he will do everything to include him. If he plays, it is almost certainly his last World Cup
- Scaloni can become the first manager since Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and 1938 to win back-to-back World Cups. Only Italy has ever done it
- Algeria beat West Germany 2-1 in the 1982 World Cup, one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Their 2014 run to the Round of 16 remains their best result. Mahrez wants one more deep run before retiring
- Austria return to the World Cup after 28 years, arriving in the best form of any team in Group J. Rangnick’s side beat Ghana 5-1 and South Korea 1-0 in March
- Jordan make their first-ever World Cup appearance. Musa Al-Taamari, who beat South Korea almost single-handedly in the 2023 Asian Cup, is their key man
- Otamendi broke down in tears at La Bombonera after confirming his international retirement after 2026. The emotional farewell tour has begun for Argentina’s veterans
- Algeria scored first in 8 of their last 9 matches entering the tournament, making them the most dangerous early-goal team in Group J
2026 World Cup Group J Predictions
- Matchday 1: Argentina 3-0 Algeria. Austria 2-0 Jordan.
- Matchday 2: Argentina 2-0 Austria. Algeria 2-1 Jordan.
- Matchday 3: Jordan 0-2 Argentina. Algeria 1-1 Austria.
Our Final Predicted Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | +7 | 9 | Advance |
| 2 | Algeria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 4 | Advance |
| 3 | Austria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | Eliminated |
| 4 | Jordan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 | Eliminated |
Argentina win the group with a perfect nine points. Algeria advance in second on goal difference. Austria’s strong March form makes this prediction close. The June 27 clash between Algeria and Austria will settle second place.
- 4 points: close to guaranteed Round of 32 advancement
- 3 points: possible with strong goal difference
- 1-2 points: very unlikely to advance
Group J Road to the Round of 32
| Finish | Next Match | Date | Venue | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Round of 32 | TBD | TBD | Group H runner-up |
| 2nd | Round of 32 | TBD | TBD | Group H winner |
The Group J winner faces the Group H runner-up in the Round of 32. The Group J runner-up faces the Group H winner. Group H consists of Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
2026 FIFA World Cup Group J FAQs
Who is in Group J at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Group J consists of Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
When does Group J start?
Group J opens on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with Argentina vs Algeria at 9:00 PM ET at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, and Austria vs Jordan at 12:00 AM ET at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Is this Jordan’s first World Cup?
Yes. Jordan qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history. They secured their place with a 3-0 win over Oman on June 5, 2025. Jordan had previously come close in 2014 when they lost 5-0 on aggregate to Uruguay in the inter-confederation playoff.
Will Messi play at the 2026 World Cup?
As of April 2026, Messi has not officially confirmed he will play. He has expressed doubt due to his age but Scaloni confirmed he will do everything to include him. Messi played in both March 2026 friendlies and scored his 116th international goal against Zambia.
What is Algeria’s World Cup history?
Algeria are making their fifth World Cup appearance. Their best finish was the Round of 16 in 2014, where they lost 2-1 to Germany after extra time. In 1982 they beat West Germany 2-1, one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Has Austria been to the World Cup before?
Yes. The 2026 World Cup is Austria’s eighth appearance, their first since 1998. Their best finish was third place in 1954. In that same tournament, Austria beat Switzerland 7-5, the highest-scoring match in World Cup history.
Who is Argentina’s manager for 2026?
Argentina are managed by Lionel Scaloni, who has been in charge since 2018. He led Argentina to Copa America in 2021, the World Cup in 2022, and Copa America again in 2024, making him the most successful Argentine manager in history.
Group J: June 16 to June 27. Argentina are heavy favorites. The real contest is between Algeria and Austria for second place, both arriving in strong form. Check back for updated standings.
