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The Group J of the features Argentina, Austria, Algeria, and Jordan in a region rich in history and symbolism, where the main attraction is the possible World Cup farewell of Lionel Messi, who will arrive at the tournament at the age of 38 and has acknowledged that this will likely be his last World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is the first edition featuring 48 teams. Argentina will arrive in North America as the reigning world champion after its title win in Qatar 2022, where it defeated France in an epic final that ended 3-3 and was decided by penalties, and also as the two-time continental champion after winning the Copa América 2024 against Colombia 1-0, with a goal from Lautaro Martínez in the 112th minute.
Messi himself has left little doubt about his future: "I haven't made a decision; I take it one match at a time, but given my age, I don't think I'll play in another World Cup. It's the most logical thing." With that statement as a backdrop, every match of the Albiceleste in this group stage takes on a historic and emotional dimension that is hard to match.
The mild muscle injury that Messi sustained on May 25 during a match for Inter Miami caused concern, although a tear was ruled out and his recovery was estimated to take about ten days, which would allow him to be ready for the tournament.
Argentina makes its debut on June 17 against Algeria at the Kansas City Stadium, faces Austria on June 22 in Dallas, and concludes the group stage on June 28 against Jordan, also in Dallas.
Austria emerges as the main contender to accompany the Albiceleste in the round of 16. The Europeans return to the World Cup after 28 years of absence —their last participation was in France 1998— supported by a talented generation featuring figures like David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer, Konrad Laimer, and Marko Arnautović. Their tactical organization and collective discipline make them a very dangerous opponent.
Algeria, for its part, returns to the World Cup after 12 years of absence, having missed out on Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. Led by Riyad Mahrez and the talent of Ismaël Bennacer in midfield, the African team has enough quality to compete for qualification until the end. Their direct matchup against Austria on June 28 in Kansas City could become one of the most exciting matches of the entire group stage.
Jordan will experience a historic moment as it competes for the first time in its history at a World Cup, after confirming its qualification on June 5, 2025 by finishing second in Asian Group B, behind South Korea. Free from the pressure of favorites, the Jordanians will aim to compete with confidence and write one of the tournament's most inspiring stories.
On paper, Argentina has all the reasons to lead Group J. However, the battle between Austria and Algeria promises to keep the uncertainty alive until the final days, with the match on June 28 between the two teams potentially determining the second ticket to the knockout stage.
Everything points to a group stage marked by nostalgia, talent, and the excitement of seeing Messi compete, possibly in his last World Cup: the final act of a legend.
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