Lionel Messi will begin Argentina's final Group J match against Jordan on the bench, a pragmatic decision by manager Lionel Scaloni to preserve the 39-year-old for the knockout rounds. Messi, the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, may feature in the second half.

Five nations—Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, Jordan, Panama—have been mathematically eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after two group-stage losses, with a new head-to-head tiebreaker sealing their early exits.

Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1, keeping their World Cup dream alive. Two second-half goals from corners secured victory, setting up a winner-takes-all clash with Austria for second place in Group J.

Algeria rallied from 1-0 down to beat Jordan 2-1 in Santa Clara. Amine Gouiri’s 82nd-minute goal sealed the comeback, leveling Group J on three points with Austria. Jordan is eliminated.

Lionel Messi scored his 17th World Cup goal to surpass Miroslav Klose's record, leading Argentina to a 2-0 win over Austria and top spot in Group J.

Argentina faces Austria in a high-stakes Group J match. Lionel Messi, fresh off a historic hat-trick, leads the defending champions against an Austria side buoyed by their first World Cup win in 36 years. A win could decide the group winner.

Argentina face Austria in a crucial Group J World Cup 2026 clash. Messi's hat-trick led Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria, while Austria beat Jordan 3-1 for their first World Cup win since 1990. Watch live on FOX on June 22 at 1 p.m. ET.

Argentina lead Group J as defending champions, with Austria and Algeria battling for second. Jordan makes historic first World Cup appearance.

Jordan makes historic World Cup debut in 2026 after nine failed campaigns. Drawn with Argentina in Group J, Jamal Sellami's 3-4-3 system and Ali Olwan's goals offer hope against the odds.

David Alaba has been passed fit for the 2026 World Cup after a muscle scare, but Austria suffers a major blow as Christoph Baumgartner is ruled out with a thigh injury sustained in the pre-match warm-up.

Jordan unveils 26-man squad for first World Cup, led by Mousa Al-Tamari. Striker Yazan Al-Naimat misses out due to injury. Government postpones work start times so fans can watch.

Luca Zidane, son of Zinedine, makes Algeria's 2026 World Cup squad alongside Riyad Mahrez. The goalkeeper recovers from a broken jaw as the Fennec Foxes prepare to face Argentina, Austria, and Jordan in Group J.

Curaçao, with just 156,000 residents, becomes the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup. They face Germany in the group stage, and 78-year-old coach Dick Advocaat will make history as the oldest coach in the tournament.

Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The expanded 48-team format opens doors for these nations.

Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their debuts in the expanded 48-team tournament.