2026 FIFA World Cup Group J

Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place from June 16 to 27, 2026.[1] The group consisted of defending champions Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.

Argentina topped the group with three wins out of three, and Austria finished as runners-up, gaining the edge over Algeria on goal difference. Both teams thus advanced to the round of 32.[2] In the knockout stage, Argentina defeated multiple teams but lost to Spain in the final.

Algeria's four points were nonetheless sufficient enough to also qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. World Cup debutants Jordan finished last with no points and were eliminated.

On June 22, Lionel Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal in Argentina's win against Austria, surpassing Miroslav Klose (16) as the FIFA World Cup's all-time top goalscorer. Messi's six goals across the three group matches brought his overall tally to 19 across the six World Cups he had participated in.[3]

Teams

Draw position Team Pot Confederation Method of
qualification
Date of
qualification
Finals
appearance
Last
appearance
Previous best
performance
FIFA Rankings[4][5]
November 2025[nb 1] June 2026
J1 Argentina1CONMEBOLCONMEBOL round robin winnerMarch 25, 202519th2022Winner (1978, 1986, 2022)21
J2 Algeria3CAFCAF Group G winnerOctober 9, 20255th2014Round of 16 (2014)3528
J3 Austria2UEFAUEFA Group H winnerNovember 18, 20258th1998Third place (1954)2424
J4 Jordan4AFCAFC third round Group B runner-upJune 5, 20251st——6663

Notes

  1. ↑ The rankings of November 2025 were used for seeding for the final draw.[6]

Standings

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  Argentina 3 3 0 0 8 1 +7 9 Advance to knockout stage
2  Austria 3 1 1 1 6 6 0 4[a]
3  Algeria 3 1 1 1 5 7 −2 4[a]
4  Jordan 3 0 0 3 3 8 −5 0
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Group stage tiebreakers
Notes:
  1. 1 2 Tied on head-to-head result (Algeria 3–3 Austria). Overall goal difference was used as the tiebreaker.

In the round of 32:[2]

Matches

All times listed are local.[1]

Argentina vs Algeria

Argentina had faced Algeria previously only once, a 4–3 friendly win in 2007.[7] This fixture marked Algeria's first return to the FIFA World Cup since 2014, when they reached the round of 16.

With his hat-trick, Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose as the all-time top-scorer of the FIFA World Cup, with 16 goals.[8]

Messi also became the first male player to play in six World Cups and the second player to score in five World Cups.[9][10] At 38 years and 357 days old, he also became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick.[11]

Argentina 3–0 Algeria
[Report 1]
Argentina[12]
Algeria[12]
GK23Emiliano Martínez
RB4Gonzalo Montieldownward-facing red arrow 46'
CB13Cristian Romerodownward-facing red arrow 80'
CB6Lisandro Martínez
LB25Facundo Medina
CM7Rodrigo De Paul
CM20Alexis Mac Allister
CM24Enzo Fernández
RF10Lionel Messi (c)downward-facing red arrow 80'
CF22Lautaro Martínezdownward-facing red arrow 55'
LF16Thiago Almadadownward-facing red arrow 55'
Substitutions:
DF26Nahuel Molinaupward-facing green arrow 46'
FW9Julián Alvarezupward-facing green arrow 55'
MF15Nicolás Gonzálezupward-facing green arrow 55'
MF19Nicolás Otamendiupward-facing green arrow 80'
FW18Nico Pazupward-facing green arrow 80'
Manager:
Lionel Scaloni
GK23Luca Zidane
RB17Rafik Belghali
CB2Aïssa Mandi (c)
CB21Ramy Bensebaini
LB15Rayan Aït-Nouri
CM14Hicham Boudaouidownward-facing red arrow 64'
CM19Nabil Bentalebdownward-facing red arrow 82'
CM22Ibrahim Mazadownward-facing red arrow 82'
RF11Anis Hadj Moussadownward-facing red arrow 64'
CF9Amine Gouiridownward-facing red arrow 64'
LF10Farès Chaïbi
Substitutions:
MF8Houssem Aouarupward-facing green arrow 64'
FW7Riyad Mahrezupward-facing green arrow 64'
FW18Mohamed Amouraupward-facing green arrow 64'
MF6Ramiz Zerroukiupward-facing green arrow 82'
FW20Adil Boulbinaupward-facing green arrow 82'
Manager:
Bosnia and Herzegovina Vladimir Petković

Man of the Match:
Lionel Messi (Argentina)[13]

Assistant referees:[12]
Tomasz Listkiewicz (Poland)
Adam Kupsik (Poland)
Fourth official:
Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh (New Zealand)
Reserve assistant referee:
Isaac Trevis (New Zealand)
Video assistant referee:
Tomasz Kwiatkowski (Poland)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Dennis Higler (Netherlands)
Support video assistant referee:
Mohammed Khadim (United Arab Emirates)

Austria vs Jordan

The two teams had never met before. The fixture marked Jordan's debut at the FIFA World Cup.

Austria 3–1 Jordan
[Report 2]
Attendance: 68,527
Austria[14]
Jordan[14]
GK1Alexander Schlager
RB5Stefan Posch
CB15Philipp Lienhart
CB8David Alaba (c)downward-facing red arrow 59'
LB16Phillipp Mwenedownward-facing red arrow 59'
CM6Nicolas Seiwald
CM4Xaver Schlagerdownward-facing red arrow 59'
RW18Romano Schmiddownward-facing red arrow 83'
AM20Konrad Laimer
LW9Marcel SabitzerYellow card 77'
CF14Saša Kalajdžićdownward-facing red arrow 46'
Substitutions:
FW7Marko Arnautovićupward-facing green arrow 46'
MF17Carney Chukwuemekaupward-facing green arrow 59'
DF3Kevin Dansoupward-facing green arrow 59'
MF24Paul Wannerupward-facing green arrow 59'
FW21Patrick Wimmerupward-facing green arrow 83'
Manager:
Germany Ralf Rangnick
GK1Yazeed Abulaila
CB3Abdallah Nasibdownward-facing red arrow 81'
CB16Mo Abualnadidownward-facing red arrow 72'
CB5Yazan Al-Arab
RM23Ihsan Haddad (c)downward-facing red arrow 82'
CM8Noor Al-Rawabdeh
CM21Nizar Al-Rashdan
LM20Mohannad Abu Taha
RF10Musa Al-Taamaridownward-facing red arrow 88'
CF9Ali Olwan
LF11Odeh Al-Fakhouridownward-facing red arrow 89'
Substitutions:
DF17Salim Obaidupward-facing green arrow 72'
DF19Saed Al-Rosanupward-facing green arrow 81'
FW13Mahmoud Al-Mardiupward-facing green arrow 82'
MF25Mohammad Al-Dawoudupward-facing green arrow 88'
FW24Ali Azaizehupward-facing green arrow 89'
Manager:
Morocco Jamal Sellami

Man of the Match:
Ali Olwan (Jordan)[13]

Assistant referees:[14]
Jerson Emiliano dos Santos (Angola)
Elvis Noupue (Cameroon)
Fourth official:
Oshane Nation (Jamaica)
Reserve assistant referee:
Caleb Wales (Trinidad and Tobago)
Video assistant referee:
Mahmoud Ashour (Egypt)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Nicolás Gallo (Colombia)
Support video assistant referee:
Rodolpho Toski (Brazil)

Argentina vs Austria

The teams had met on two occasions, both friendlies, with the most recent being a 1–1 draw in 1990.[15]

In the 8th minute, Argentina were awarded a penalty after Stefan Posch fouled Lautaro Martinez in the box, Lionel Messi took the penalty but fired wide low to the right of the post. In the 38th minute, Messi scored with a first-time left-foot finish from just inside the penalty area to the left corner after a low cross from the left by Facundo Medina. In the 95th minute, Messi scored again to make it 2–0 when his initial shot was blocked he followed up to hit low to the net from a tight angle on the left past two Austrian defenders.[16]

In scoring both of Argentina's goals, Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 18 goals.[17] He was named Man of the Match and became the third player to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.

Argentina 2–0 Austria
[Report 3]
Attendance: 70,649
Referee: Amin Omar (Egypt)
Argentina[18]
Austria[18]
GK23Emiliano Martínez
RB26Nahuel Molina
CB13Cristian Romerodownward-facing red arrow 57'
CB6Lisandro Martínez
LB25Facundo MedinaYellow card 76'downward-facing red arrow 82'
DM20Alexis Mac Allister
CM7Rodrigo De Pauldownward-facing red arrow 82'
CM24Enzo Fernández
CM16Thiago Almadadownward-facing red arrow 64'
CF10Lionel Messi (c)
CF22Lautaro Martínezdownward-facing red arrow 64'
Substitutions:
DF19Nicolás Otamendiupward-facing green arrow 57'
FW9Julián Alvarezupward-facing green arrow 64'
FW15Nicolás Gonzálezupward-facing green arrow 64'
MF5Leandro ParedesYellow card 90+2'upward-facing green arrow 82'
DF3Nicolás Tagliaficoupward-facing green arrow 82'
Manager:
Lionel Scaloni
GK1Alexander Schlager
RB5Stefan PoschYellow card 41'downward-facing red arrow 67'
CB3Kevin Danso
CB8David Alaba (c)downward-facing red arrow 67'
LB20Konrad LaimerYellow card 76'
CM6Nicolas Seiwald
CM4Xaver Schlager
RW18Romano Schmiddownward-facing red arrow 78'
AM24Paul Wannerdownward-facing red arrow 67'
LW9Marcel Sabitzer
CF11Michael Gregoritschdownward-facing red arrow 85'
Substitutions:
FW7Marko Arnautovićupward-facing green arrow 67'
DF22Alexander Prassupward-facing green arrow 67'
DF23Marco Friedlupward-facing green arrow 67'
MF21Patrick Wimmerupward-facing green arrow 78'
MF17Carney Chukwuemekaupward-facing green arrow 85'
Manager:
Germany Ralf Rangnick

Man of the Match:
Lionel Messi (Argentina)[13]

Assistant referees:[18]
Mahmoud Abouregal (Egypt)
Ahmed Hossam Taha (Egypt)
Fourth official:
Alejandro Hernández Hernández (Spain)
Reserve assistant referee:
Diego Sánchez Rojo (Spain)
Video assistant referee:
Khamis Al-Marri (Qatar)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Mahmoud Ashour (Egypt)
Support video assistant referee:
Tatiana Guzmán (Nicaragua)

Jordan vs Algeria

The teams have previously faced each other three times, most recently in 2004, a 1–1 draw in a friendly.[19]

In the 36th minute, Nizar Al-Rashdan scored for Jordan with a shot with the outside of his right foot low to the right corner from the right of the penalty area. Nadhir Benbouali made it 1–1 in the 69th minute with a header to the left corner of the net after corner from on the right Riyad Mahrez. Amine Gouiri got the winning goal for Algeria in the 82nd minute when he hooked the ball into the net from close range after another corner from the right broke to him. With this defeat, Jordan were eliminated from the tournament.[20]

Jordan 1–2 Algeria
[Report 4]
Attendance: 68,371
Jordan[21]
Algeria[21]
GK1Yazeed Abulaila
CB3Abdallah Nasib
CB5Yazan Al-Arab
CB4Husam Abu DahabYellow card 64'downward-facing red arrow 90+1'
RM23Ihsan Haddad (c)
CM21Nizar Al-Rashdan
CM8Noor Al-Rawabdeh
LM20Mohannad Abu Tahadownward-facing red arrow 85'
RF9Ali Olwandownward-facing red arrow 90+2'
CF10Musa Al-Taamaridownward-facing red arrow 84'
LF13Mahmoud Al-Mardidownward-facing red arrow 76'
Substitutions:
FW11Odeh Al-Fakhouriupward-facing green arrow 76'
FW24Ali Azaizehupward-facing green arrow 84'
MF2Mohammad Abu Hashishupward-facing green arrow 85'
DF17Salim Obaidupward-facing green arrow 90+1'
FW7Mohammad Abu Zrayqupward-facing green arrow 90+2'
Manager:
Morocco Jamal Sellami
GK23Luca Zidane
RB17Rafik Belghali
CB2Aïssa Mandi
CB21Ramy Bensebaini
LB15Rayan Aït-Nouridownward-facing red arrow 85'
CM14Hicham Boudaouidownward-facing red arrow 45'
CM6Ramiz ZerroukiYellow card 44'downward-facing red arrow 45'
AM22Ibrahim Maza
RF7Riyad Mahrez (c)downward-facing red arrow 76'
CF9Amine Gouiridownward-facing red arrow 86'
LF10Farès Chaïbi
Substitutions:
FW12Nadhir Benboualiupward-facing green arrow 45'
MF19Nabil Bentalebupward-facing green arrow 45'
FW11Anis Hadj Moussaupward-facing green arrow 76'
DF13Jaouen Hadjamupward-facing green arrow 85'
DF5Zineddine Belaïdupward-facing green arrow 86'
Manager:
Bosnia and Herzegovina Vladimir Petković

Man of the Match:
Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)[13]

Assistant referees:[21]
Tomaž Klančnik (Slovenia)
Andraž Kovačič (Slovenia)
Fourth official:
Oshane Nation (Jamaica)
Reserve assistant referee:
Caleb Wales (Trinidad and Tobago)
Video assistant referee:
Ivan Bebek (Croatia)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Jarred Gillett (England)
Support video assistant referee:
Bram Van Driessche (Belgium)

Algeria vs Austria

Algeria and Austria warming up before the match

The teams had met once before, in Austria's 2–0 group stage victory at the 1982 FIFA World Cup.[22]

A win for either team would guarantee second-place in group J, while the loser would be eliminated. A draw would let both teams advance to the knockout round (with Austria in second-place due to greater goal difference after matchday 2) and eliminate Iran from the third-place rankings. This had raised fears of the Disgrace of Gijón from the 1982 World Cup repeating.[23][24] In the end, both teams gave full effort. The game had a "frenetic pace", with each team having a lead at some point in the second half and each scoring in stoppage time.[25]

Algeria 3–3 Austria
[Report 5]
Algeria[26]
Austria[26]
GK16Oussama Benbot
RB17Rafik Belghalidownward-facing red arrow 71'
CB2Aïssa Mandi
CB21Ramy Bensebaini
LB13Jaouen Hadjamdownward-facing red arrow 71'
CM10Farès Chaïbi
CM19Nabil Bentaleb
RW7Riyad Mahrez (c)
AM22Ibrahim Maza
LW8Houssem Aouardownward-facing red arrow 90+4'
CF9Amine Gouiridownward-facing red arrow 71'
Substitutions:
DF5Zineddine Belaïdupward-facing green arrow 71'
DF15Rayan Aït-Nouriupward-facing green arrow 71'
DF26Samir Cherguiupward-facing green arrow 71'
FW25Farès Ghedjemisupward-facing green arrow 90+4'
Manager:
Bosnia and Herzegovina Vladimir Petković
GK1Alexander Schlager
RB5Stefan Posch
CB15Philipp Lienhart
CB8David Alaba (c)downward-facing red arrow 62'
LB16Phillipp Mwenedownward-facing red arrow 90+5'
CM6Nicolas Seiwald
CM4Xaver Schlagerdownward-facing red arrow 46'
RW20Konrad Laimer
AM18Romano Schmiddownward-facing red arrow 46'
LW9Marcel Sabitzer
CF7Marko ArnautovićYellow card 11'downward-facing red arrow 46'
Substitutions:
FW11Michael Gregoritschupward-facing green arrow 46'
MF10Florian Grillitschupward-facing green arrow 46'
MF24Paul Wannerupward-facing green arrow 46'
DF3Kevin Dansoupward-facing green arrow 62'
FW14Saša Kalajdžićupward-facing green arrow 90+5'
Manager:
Germany Ralf Rangnick

Man of the Match:
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)[13]

Assistant referees:[26]
Andrey Tsapenko (Uzbekistan)
Timur Gaynullin (Uzbekistan)
Fourth official:
Katia Itzel García (Mexico)
Reserve assistant referee:
Sandra Ramírez (Mexico)
Video assistant referee:
Leodán González (Uruguay)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Shaun Evans (Australia)
Support video assistant referee:
Armando Villarreal (United States)

Jordan vs Argentina

The two teams had never met before.

Argentina came out strong despite having already secured first place, with two goals scored Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez in the first half. Musa Al-Taamari then made it 1–2 in the 55th minute. However, with Lionel Messi subbed in, he scored from a free kick, marking his sixth goal overall at this World Cup.

With this result, defending champions Argentina completed Group J with a perfect 3–0–0 record. In contrast, tournament debutants Jordan suffered three straight defeats, making them, along with Uzbekistan in group K, the only debutant teams to finish without a single point.

Jordan 1–3 Argentina
[Report 6]
Attendance: 70,649
Jordan[27]
Argentina[27]
GK1Yazeed Abulaila
CB3Abdallah Nasib
CB5Yazan Al-ArabYellow card 64'
CB4Husam Abu Dahabdownward-facing red arrow 90'
RM23Ihsan Haddad (c)
CM21Nizar Al-Rashdandownward-facing red arrow 76'
CM8Noor Al-Rawabdeh
LM20Mohannad Abu TahaYellow card 17'
RF24Ali Azaizehdownward-facing red arrow 46'
CF11Odeh Al-Fakhouridownward-facing red arrow 46'
LF9Ali Olwandownward-facing red arrow 90'
Substitutions:
FW13Mahmoud Al-Mardiupward-facing green arrow 46'
FW10Musa Al-Taamariupward-facing green arrow 46'
MF6Amer Jamousupward-facing green arrow 76'
DF17Salim Obaidupward-facing green arrow 90'
FW7Mohammad Abu ZrayqYellow card 90+4'upward-facing green arrow 90'
Manager:
Morocco Jamal Sellami
GK23Emiliano Martínez
RB14Exequiel Palacios
CB19Nicolás Otamendi (c)
CB2Marcos Senesi
LB3Nicolás Tagliafico
DM5Leandro Paredes
CM18Nico Pazdownward-facing red arrow 60'
CM11Giovani Lo Celsodownward-facing red arrow 60'
RF17Giuliano Simeonedownward-facing red arrow 71'
CF22Lautaro Martínezdownward-facing red arrow 60'
LF9Julián Alvarezdownward-facing red arrow 82'
Substitutions:
MF16Thiago Almadaupward-facing green arrow 60'
FW10Lionel Messiupward-facing green arrow 60'
MF20Alexis Mac Allisterupward-facing green arrow 60'
MF8Valentín Barcoupward-facing green arrow 71'
FW21José Manuel Lópezupward-facing green arrow 82'
Manager:
Lionel Scaloni

Man of the Match:
Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina)[13]

Assistant referees:[27]
Mihai Marius Marica (Romania)
Ferencz Tunyogi (Romania)
Fourth official:
Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
Reserve assistant referee:
Jerson Emiliano dos Santos (Angola)
Video assistant referee:
Bram Van Driessche (Belgium)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Fedayi San (Switzerland)
Support video assistant referee:
Marco Di Bello (Italy)

Discipline

The team conduct ("fair play") score would have been used as a tiebreaker if the head-to-head and overall records of teams were tied. It would also be used as a tiebreaker for the third-place ranking between groups if the overall records of teams were tied. The score was calculated based on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials in all group matches as follows:[2]

  • yellow card: −1 point;
  • indirect red card (second yellow card): −3 points;
  • direct red card: −4 points;
  • yellow card and direct red card: −5 points;

Only one of the above deductions could be applied to a player or team official in a single match.

Team Match 1 Match 2 Match 3 Score
Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card Yellow card Red card
 Algeria 1 −1
 Argentina 2 −2
 Austria 1 2 1 −4
 Jordan 1 3 −4

References

  1. 1 2 "FIFA World Cup 26 – Match Schedule" (PDF). FIFA. February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 "FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations" (PDF). FIFA. May 2025. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 23, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  3. ↑ "FIFA World Cup all-time leading scorers". FIFA. June 30, 2026. Retrieved June 30, 2026.
  4. ↑ "FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking (19 November 2025)". FIFA. November 19, 2025. Retrieved November 22, 2025.
  5. ↑ "FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking (11 June 2026)". FIFA. June 11, 2026. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Draw Procedures for the FIFA World Cup 2026" (PDF). FIFA. November 25, 2025. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  7. ↑ "Argentina national football team: record v Algeria". 11v11.com. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Messi hat-trick equals scoring record as Argentina dazzle against Algeria". Reuters.
  9. ↑ "Lionel Messi becomes 1st man to play at 6 World Cups". ESPN. June 16, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Lionel Messi Ties All-Time World Cup Scoring Record with Hat Trick Against Algeria". Fox Sports. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  11. ↑ Milano, Bruno (June 16, 2026). "Lionel Messi breaks Cristiano Ronaldo's record for the oldest player with a World Cup hat-trick". bolavip.com.
  12. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group J – Argentina v. Algeria" (PDF). FIFA. June 16, 2026. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match – every winner". FIFA. June 16, 2026. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  14. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group J – Austria v. Jordan" (PDF). FIFA. June 16, 2026. Retrieved June 16, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Argentina national football team: record v Austria". 11v11.com. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  16. ↑ "World Cup 2026: Argentina 2–0 Austria – Lionel Messi breaks scoring record with two goals to send holders through". Sky Sports. June 22, 2026. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  17. ↑ Emons, Michael (June 22, 2026). "Argentina 2–0 Austria". BBC Sport.
  18. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group J – Argentina v. Austria" (PDF). FIFA. June 22, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  19. ↑ "Jordan national football team: record v Algeria". 11v11.com. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Jordan 1 Algeria 2". BBC Sport. June 22, 2026. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  21. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group J – Jordan v. Algeria" (PDF). FIFA. June 22, 2026. Retrieved June 22, 2026.
  22. ↑ "Algeria vs. Austria Head-to-Head in the World Cups". The Soccer World Cups. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  23. ↑ "Algeria vs Austria live score, updates: World Cup 2026 game level in second half after Belghali equaliser". The Athletic. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  24. ↑ "'Disgrace of Kansas City' loading? Austria-Algeria clash set to expose World Cup's unfair format - and that could play straight into Gianni Infantino's hands". Goal.com. Retrieved June 28, 2026.
  25. ↑ ESPN News Services (June 28, 2026). "Algeria and Austria's dramatic draw sends Iran out of World Cup". ESPN. Retrieved June 28, 2026.
  26. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group J – Algeria v. Austria" (PDF). FIFA. June 27, 2026. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  27. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group J – Jordan v. Argentina" (PDF). FIFA. June 27, 2026. Retrieved June 27, 2026.

Match reports

  1. ↑
  2. ↑
  3. ↑
  4. ↑
  5. ↑
  6. ↑