Argentina begin World Cup 2026 title defence as Jordan prepare for debut
Reigning champions Argentina will begin their World Cup 2026 title defence in Group J against Algeria, Austria and tournament debutants Jordan this summer.
The title holders are heavily favoured to progress from the group stage and join Italy and Germany as four-time winners of the prestigious tournament.
Lionel Messi returns for his sixth global finals campaign despite suffering a recent injury scare.
The veteran forward remains the focal point for manager Lionel Scaloni as the South American giants attempt to become the first nation to retain the trophy since Brazil in 1962.
Battle for second place
Austria and Algeria are separated by just three places in the current world rankings.
The European and African nations are expected to fiercely contest the second automatic qualifying spot behind the group favourites.
Meanwhile, minnows Jordan are appearing at the finals for the very first time and will hope to cause a major upset on the global stage.
The newly expanded 48-team format means that eight of the best third-placed finishers will also advance to the knockout stages in North America.
Dominant qualification campaign
The current continental champions cruised through their qualifying process to book their tickets to the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Scaloni’s squad topped the South American standings by a commanding nine-point margin over second-placed Ecuador while boasting a positive goal difference of 21.
They possess a formidable mix of youth and experience, with 17 members of their victorious 2022 squad returning for this latest challenge.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez features in a highly talented roster alongside Premier League counterparts Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero.
Group J fixtures
All fixture times are listed in British Summer Time.
- 16 June: Argentina v Algeria (02:00)
- 16 June: Austria v Jordan (05:00)
- 22 June: Argentina v Austria (18:00)
- 22 June: Jordan v Algeria (04:00)
- 27 June: Algeria v Austria (03:00)
- 27 June: Jordan v Argentina (03:00)