Group J
4 teams competing for two round-of-32 spots
Teams
Group Analysis
Group J features Argentina, Austria, Algeria, and Jordan. Argentina arrive as defending champions and one of the tournament favorites, with Lionel Messi potentially making his final World Cup appearance. Austria return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 with a talented squad. Algeria feature Riyad Mahrez and will look to match the 2014 round-of-16 run. Jordan make their historic World Cup debut as the latest nation from the Middle East to reach the tournament.
Favorites to Advance
- Argentina (defending champions, Messi)
- Algeria (Mahrez, experience)
Dark Horses
- Austria (Rangnick system, Alaba)
- Jordan (team spirit)
Predictions
1. Argentina, 2. Algeria, 3. Austria, 4. Jordan. Argentina should top the group with the quality of their squad. Algeria's individual quality should see them through. Austria's tactical discipline and Jordan's team spirit will make them competitive but likely fall short.
Head-to-Head History
Argentina and Austria have met once at the World Cup, in the 1990 group stage, with Argentina winning 1-0. Argentina and Algeria met in the 1982 group stage, with Algeria famously winning 2-1. Argentina and Jordan have never met at the World Cup.