Or as I like to call it, “Group JAAA,” as we have Jordan, Algeria, Austria, and defending champions Argentina. La Albiceleste enter the tournament somehow ranked #1 in the world, despite being nowhere near as strong as their side four years ago. Lionel Scaloni has assembled a team of veterans that he trusts to do the job again, only this time they’re 4 years older. And while Messi has been tearing up MLS, it’s unclear just how dominating he can still be against the world’s best. He won’t have to worry about that in this group, though, as Argentina’s path to the next round should be pretty clear.
🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇩🇿 Algeria
Tue Jun 16, 20:00 UTC-5, Kansas City
This really should be a cakewalk for the champs, but let me take you back to the 1990 World Cup: Maradona and Argentina are defending champions, but they lose to an African nation (Cameroon) in their opening match. And as I mentioned in my Group H analysis, their opening loss to Saudi Arabia last year was a shocker.
I think their title defense will start of fairly strong, though it won’t be a runaway. As the 4th ranked team in Africa, Algeria are not to be underestimated. Expect Argentina to have about 70% possession, but the Algerian defense will prove pesky for much of the match. Still, Argentina will put two goals by them for a 2-0 victory.
🇦🇹 Austria vs 🇯🇴 Jordan
Tue Jun 16, 21:00 UTC-7, San Francisco
Austria finished top of their group in UEFA qualification, though their competition wasn’t terribly impressive (including the lowest ranked team in the world, San Marino). However, they have put together a string of positive friendly results in the lead up to the competition. They do bring in one of the older sides (second oldest among European teams, behind Scotland) and will rely on their veterans to provide stability. Marcel Sabitzer has the potential to be a strong creative force in the midfield and Konrad Laimer is coming off a great season with Bayern Munich.
Like Austria, Jordan doesn’t have much star power and will rely on core players to fuel any potential success. Look for them to play with a back five, aiming for a 0-0 result with a potential opportunity to spring Al-Taamari on the counterattack. The Jordanian defense will be aware that Austria is involved in a large number of 1-0 and 1-1 matches. They’ll work to stifle them as much as possible. Still I think Austria ekes out the win: 1-0.
🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇦🇹 Austria
Mon Jun 22, 12:00 UTC-5, Dallas
This will be a less open match than the Argentina-Algeria game. Austria takes a more defensive approach overall with a strong press. However, Argentina posses enough quality to break down the Austrian’s structure, just enough to grind out a result.
Without the creativity of the injured Christoph Baumgartner, I’m doubtful of Austria’s ability to create many chances in this match. I think La Albiceleste win it 2-0.
🇯🇴 Jordan vs 🇩🇿 Algeria
Mon Jun 22, 20:00 UTC-7, San Francisco
These two Arab League nations have surprisingly only faced each other three times — most recently, a friendly 22 years ago.
Despite getting beat handedly in their opener, Algeria is still a much stronger team than Jordan, and they know it. The Jordanians are also yet to win a game in 2026.
Algeria should take this, but expect Jordan to show up on the scoresheet. They almost always do. Algeria 3 - Jordan 1.
🇩🇿 Algeria vs 🇦🇹 Austria
Sat Jun 27, 21:00 UTC-5, Kansas City
These two teams will be battling out for second place in the group. Das Team will focus on their regular Gegenpressing, while the Desert Warriors will try to absorb pressure and spring a counterattack, with Mahrez in the role of quarterback.
This game may very well be won in the midfield, but I’m not confident in either team’s ability to come out on top. That bodes really well for Algeria as they’ll have the better goal difference heading in. This 1-1 draw benefits the Africans, though the Austrians are still pretty much assured a spot in the Round of 32.
🇯🇴 Jordan vs 🇦🇷 Argentina
Sat Jun 27, 21:00 UTC-5, Dallas
Argentina should be riding high, having won their first two games and likely poised to take the top spot. Even though they’ll still need a point from this match to clinch it, they may still feel empowered to rest some of their stars for the knockout round.
Coming into the World Cup, they posted 7 clean sheets in their last 10 games. I have them defensively perfect in the first two WC games as well, but I think they might give up a shock goal to Jordan here, just ‘cause. But it won’t be enough to best the South American champs. Argentina 3 - Jordan 1.
