Group J predictions: FIFA World Cup 2026
As we build up to FIFA World Cup 2026, Group A comes under the spotlight as we assess the prospects of Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
Fixtures
Matchday 1
Argentina vs Algeria
Austria vs Jordan
Matchday 2
Argentina vs Austria
Jordan vs Algeria
Matchday 3
Algeria vs Austria
Jordan vs Argentina
Click here for a full breakdown of kick-off dates and times for FIFA World Cup 2026!
World and double South American champions Argentina head into Group J alongside African outfit Algeria, as well as Austria, back at a FIFA World Cup for the first time this century, along with debutants Jordan.
Lionel Messi and Argentina will believe they will again go deep into this summer’s tournament after winning their third FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the Argentinians perhaps have an even better squad, at least in terms of attacking depth, than they did three and a half years ago.
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria were impressive in UEFA EURO 2024 qualification, and then again at the tournament, but they have underwhelmed since and only just scraped into FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dramatic win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Vienna this past autumn.
Former Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic is in charge of an Algeria side that are heading back to a FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014. The Algerians have some real quality, captained by Riyad Mahrez, and will sense an opportunity here against Austria and Jordan.
As for Jordan, they may well prove stubborn opposition for both Austria and Algeria, but manager Jamal Sellami does have his work cut out to make the debutants competitive in North America this summer.
Argentina should cruise to top spot in the group with Jordan likely to finish rock-bottom without a point. Austria and Algeria are both evenly matched sides but the added nous and experience within the Austrian midfield should give them a slight edge with both teams having a good chance of qualifying.
Predicted group placements
1st: Argentina
2nd: Austria
3rd: Algeria
4th: Jordan
