Argentina became the first team from Group J to book its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after defeating Austria 2-0 in its second group-stage match. The reigning champion now has six points from two games and is guaranteed a top-two finish regardless of the outcome of the final round of fixtures.
Lionel Messi starred once again, scoring both goals as Argentina followed up its opening win over Algeria with another dominant performance. The result ensured qualification with a game to spare and strengthened Argentina’s position at the top of the group.
Algeria stay alive, Jordan is eliminated
The race for the second automatic qualification spot remains wide open. Algeria kept its hopes alive by coming from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 in the other Group J match.
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Jordan had taken an early lead, but Algeria responded strongly in the second half to claim all three points. The defeat ended Jordan’s chances of reaching the knockout stage, leaving it rooted to the bottom of the standings with no points from two matches.
Algeria come from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 for their first World Cup win since 2014.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 23, 2026
It also means Argentina have won Group J 🇩🇿ðŸ¤ðŸ‡ðŸ‡· pic.twitter.com/5hnh7SG5B6
With one matchday remaining, Argentina leads the group on six points, while Algeria and Austria remain in contention for the second qualification berth. Jordan is already out of the race.
Decisive final-day showdown awaits
The final Group J fixtures promise plenty of drama. Argentina will face Jordan, while Algeria and Austria meet in a crucial clash that could decide the group’s second automatic qualifier.
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A win for either Algeria or Austria would guarantee progression to the Round of 32. The losing side could still remain in contention for one of the tournament’s best third-placed spots, depending on results in other groups.
The expanded 48-team World Cup format allows the top two teams from each of the 12 groups to qualify automatically for the Round of 32. They are joined by the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament.
For now, Argentina can turn its focus to the knockout stage, while Algeria and Austria prepare for a high-stakes encounter that will determine who joins the South American giant in the next round.
