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2026 World Cup Group Guides · Group J

Group J Preview — FIFA Rankings, Squads & Round-of-32 Scenarios (2026 World Cup)

Group J of the 2026 World Cup features Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Jordan. A data-driven preview: FIFA rankings, captains, squad sizes, the full fixture list, and how each side can reach the Round of 32.

Group snapshot

Average FIFA ranking
30
Group strength
6 of 12 (1 = strongest)
Ranking favourite
Argentina (#3)
Ranking spread
63· Wide ranking gap
Includes a FIFA top-10 side

The four teams

Argentina
ArgentinaArgentinaFIFA #3
Captain: Lionel Messi · 26-player squad
Austria
AustriaAustriaFIFA #24
Captain: David Alaba · 25-player squad
Algeria
AlgeriaAlgeriaFIFA #28
Captain: Riyad Mahrez · 26-player squad
Jordan
JordanJordanFIFA #66
Captain: Ihsan Haddad · 26-player squad

Group J fixtures

Times shown in your local time

ArgentinaArgentina
01:00
Jun 16
AlgeriaAlgeria
Kansas City
AustriaAustria
04:00
Jun 16
JordanJordan
San Francisco Bay Area (Santa Clara)
ArgentinaArgentina
17:00
Jun 22
AustriaAustria
Dallas (Arlington)
JordanJordan
03:00
Jun 22
AlgeriaAlgeria
San Francisco Bay Area (Santa Clara)
AlgeriaAlgeria
02:00
Jun 27
AustriaAustria
Kansas City
JordanJordan
02:00
Jun 27
ArgentinaArgentina
Dallas (Arlington)

Qualification outlook

The top two of Group J reach the Round of 32 directly, while the third-placed team can still advance through the best-third-place race (8 of 12 qualify). By FIFA ranking, Argentina start as favourites to top the group — but under the new 2026 tie-break rules (head-to-head first), nothing is decided until the matches are played.

Group J live scenarios & simulator →All group guides

※ Preview based on a FIFA ranking snapshot and announced squads. Not affiliated with FIFA.