Group J – Can Argentina Repeat as Champs?

By Keith Richards

While Group J may not be among the most intriguing, it may be the most consequential.  Why?  Group J contains the reigning world champions: Argentina.  Lionel Messi plays for Argentina.  Not sure if you’ve heard of him.  He’s a pretty decent footballer.  Now, it is important to note that the group is not intriguing for lack of talent.  Three of the four teams in the group rank in the top 30 in the FIFA rankings.  It’s consequential because what happens in the group could shape Argentina’s title defense.

To the surprise of no one, Argentina is the highest-ranked team in the group.  However, it will not be a walkover for the defending champs:

• Argentina – 16 appearances, three-time champions
• Algeria – Four appearances, Round of 16 in 2014
• Austria – Seven appearances, three times in the knockout rounds
• Jordan – First-ever appearance

Now, let’s take a look at each team and determine who will win this group!

Argentina – 1^st in FIFA Rankings

First, it’s important to note that FIFA will release new rankings in three days.  There is certain to be a lot of movement in the rankings.  Several countries will have a lot to say about the new rankings.  However, for just a few more weeks, Argentina are the reigning, defending, three-time world champions.  Whether they can repeat as champions will depend largely on their performance in Group J.

On paper, Argentina has historically been miles above its competition.  Playing outside the CONMEBOL confederation, La Selección has 17 continental titles, including a record 16 South American Championship/Copa América titles.  They’ve been runners-up for that title 14 times and finished in third place an additional five times.  Brazil (5) may have the advantage in World Cup titles, but Argentina (3) is the king of South America.

As stated numerous times now, Argentina is the defending World Cup champions.  The 2022 final against France was one of the greatest finals of all time.  However, while France is young and has players entering their prime, the same cannot be said for Argentina.  While Argentina has many young, promising players, the heart of the team, Lionel Messi, is in his last World Cup.  How far can he lead his nation during his last ride?  We shall soon see.

Algeria – 28^th in FIFA Rankings

Algeria is formidable in its own right.  You wouldn’t call them CAF giants, but they are not a team you would want to dismiss out of hand.  They do have three continental titles to their name.  One of them was as recently as 2019.  Ranked 28^th in the FIFA rankings is arguably their greatest recent achievement.  It means they’re competitive but haven’t quite found their way.

Much like with Argentina, Algeria is losing one of, if not the, greatest players in its team history.  At 35, I can’t imagine Riyad Mahrez will be at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.  First, there are many young players behind him at the forward position.  Second, CAF is becoming extremely competitive.  Algeria’s qualification for the next World Cup is not a guarantee.

Algeria has only appeared in four World Cup tournaments before 2026.  Their most recent appearance at the World Cup was also their best finish.  In 2014, they made the Round of 16 in that tournament.  Making it to the knockout stage in 2026 will be difficult with Argentina and Austria to contend with.

Austria – 24^th in FIFA Rankings

While Austria does not have any continental championships, that can be misleading.  The same can be said about their only seven appearances at the FIFA World Cup.  Playing in the UEFA confederation is not for the faint of heart.  Austria must compete with countries such as Belgium, England, France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain.  So, on paper, Austria might look like a weak team because they have zero continental championships.

Jordan – 63^rd in FIFA Rankings

Last, but certainly not least, we have the debutants: Jordan.  Jordan has been as low as 152^nd in the FIFA rankings and as high as 37^th.  Like Austria, Jordan does not have any continental championships.  However, they have seen recent success.  Jordan were runners-up in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.  In subregional competitions, they have also seen recent success.  Jordan was the runner-up in the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup.

From the time they kick off to when the ref blows the whistle on their final match, it’s history for Jordan.  I don’t believe any fan of Jordan thinks they’re going to shock the world.  In their first go-around, I think most of their fans will be happy with them looking like they belong.  Unfortunately, that’s going to be tough in this group.

The Prediction

There’s no need to beat around the bush for this group.  Argentina will win this group and won’t have much difficulty.  I think Austria and Algeria will make them sweat in moments, but it’s Argentina.  While they may not top the list of favorites in 2026, I do not believe there is a team in Group J that can play spoiler and prevent them from winning the group.  Conversely, I don’t think that Jordan gets a win.

So, who wins second place?  Iron.  Sharpens.  Iron.  I do believe that playing in UEFA will be the difference maker for Austria.  Algeria, if they can prove me wrong, could battle for second in the group if they beat Austria.  If that is the case, we could see a third-place team make it out of the group.  However, I think Austria beats Algeria to take second place and make it out of the group.

What do you think?  Who’s your pick for Group J?  Let us know!  Be sure to check out the rest of our World Cup coverage as well!