Argentina begins World Cup title defense against Jordan in Group J
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 10:47 AM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
Reigning champions Argentina start their World Cup title defense in Group J against Algeria, Austria, and debutants Jordan. The tournament begins for Argentina on June 16, where they face Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The group also features a significant match between Austria and Jordan on the same day. Argentina, ranked second globally, comes into the tournament with a strong squad led by Lionel Messi, returning for his sixth World Cup. Algeria looks to build on recent performances after a quarter-final finish at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Jordan hopes to make an impact in its first World Cup appearance.
- •Argentina plays Algeria on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium.
- •Jordan debuts in the World Cup alongside Argentina.
- •Algeria aims for a strong performance after reaching the quarter-finals in 2023.
- •Argentina qualified for the tournament with a nine-point lead in South American qualifying.
- •Lionel Messi remains a key figure for Argentina in this tournament.
- 10:47 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup 2026 Group J guide: Favourites Argentina begin title defence as Jordan debut
"Lionel Messi returns with a highly fancied Argentina squad while Algeria and Austria are set to battle for second spot
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