Already assured of top spot before kickoff, Argentina completed a flawless FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Jordan in their final Group J match. The reigning world champions finished with three wins from three matches, collecting the maximum 9 points and confirming their status as one of the tournament favourites heading into the knockout stage.
The other Group J fixture produced one of the most entertaining games of the tournament, as Algeria and Austria shared a dramatic 3-3 draw. The result proved enough for both teams to qualify for the Round of 32, with Austria edging Algeria on goal difference to finish second in the group.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Group J Final Points Table
Argentina Complete Perfect Group Campaign
Argentina entered the match against Jordan knowing first place was already secured after victories in their opening two fixtures. Nevertheless, Lionel Scaloni’s side maintained their high standards with another composed performance.
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring before Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the first half. Jordan responded after the breakthrough by Mousa Al-Tamari, briefly raising hopes of a comeback, but Lionel Messi sealed the victory with a trademark finish to ensure Argentina ended the group stage with a 100% record.
The victory means Argentina advance to the Round of 32 with maximum confidence and momentum after scoring consistently while remaining one of the tournament’s strongest all-round sides.
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group J): Jordan vs Argentina Official Match Stats
Algeria and Austria Deliver Six-Goal Thriller
The battle for the second qualification spot turned into a classic encounter in Kansas City.
Austria struck first through Marko Arnautović before Algeria equalised just before halftime. Riyad Mahrez gave Algeria the lead early in the second half, only for Marcel Sabitzer to restore parity minutes later.
Mahrez appeared to have won the match with another goal deep into stoppage time, but Austria produced one final twist as Saša Kalajdžić found a dramatic equaliser in the closing moments to complete an unforgettable 3-3 draw.
Despite the late disappointment, the point was enough for both Austria and Algeria to book their places in the knockout stage, ending one of the most competitive groups in the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group J): Algeria vs Austria Official Match Stats
Qualified Teams from Group J
- 🇦🇷 Argentina — Group winners
- 🇦🇹 Austria — Runners-up (qualified on goal difference)
- 🇩🇿 Algeria — Qualified as one of the best third-placed teams
FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32 Qualified Teams
Argentina now move into the Round of 32 as one of the tournament favourites, while Austria and Algeria keep their FIFA World Cup 2026 dreams alive after an unforgettable final matchday in Group J.