Jordan vs Argentina: Debutants Face the Champions in Group J

Predictions

Argentina are the world champions with Lionel Messi flying, so almost everyone expects a comfortable win, and the only real question is how big.

The other thing people are watching is whether coach Lionel Scaloni rests Messi and his stars, since Argentina have already topped the group.

• Our prediction: Argentina win 3-1, with Jordan grabbing a consolation goal that their fans will celebrate like a trophy.
• Yahoo Sports: a comfortable Argentina win, with the margin the main thing in doubt.
• Racing Post: Argentina to win again, with a possible rotation the only thing that could keep it close.

What is on the line in this game?

Here is the honest truth: the Group J table is already done and dusted.

Argentina have already won the group and march into the knockouts as winners.

And Jordan sit at the bottom on 0 points, already knocked out.

So the prize on the night is not points, it is the spectacle of one team against the champions.

The other thing to keep an eye on is Scaloni's call: does he rest Messi for the bigger games ahead, or let his stars keep scoring?

That choice is the only real drama left in Group J for Argentina.

Why are Argentina such big favorites?

Argentina are the reigning world champions, the team that won the 2022 World Cup, and they have looked the part again.

The bookmakers price them at about -500, which is roughly an 83% chance to win this game.

They opened with a 3-0 win over Algeria, then a 2-0 win over Austria.

That is two games, two wins, and they did not concede a single goal.

The biggest reason of all is Lionel Messi, 38 years old, who has been simply sensational.

He has scored 5 goals in just 2 group games, and at his age this is very likely his last World Cup.

That farewell makes every Messi touch feel special, and Jordan have to find a way to stop a man playing the best football around.

Why is this Jordan's David vs Goliath moment?

Picture it for a second: a first-time World Cup nation lining up against the champions of the world.

This is Jordan's very first World Cup, and they drew the toughest possible last game.

They have lost both matches so far, but here is the part their fans love: they scored in each one.

They went down 3-1 to Austria, then fought to a 2-1 loss to Algeria.

So they keep finding the net, and now they get to aim at the biggest target in football.

One goal against Argentina and Lionel Messi would be the moment of their whole tournament.

Their best hope of that is their star attacker Musa Al-Taamari, who is quick and clever and plays for Rennes in France.

A draw or a win is a long shot at around +1500, roughly a 6% chance, but it would be a famous result Jordan would never forget.

Our call: Argentina win 3-1

We are going with a 3-1 win for Argentina.

The champions simply have too much firepower, with Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez all able to punish any mistake.

Even a rested team should have more than enough to take this one.

But we do think Jordan find a goal, because they have scored in every game so far and they will throw everything at it.

And if that goal goes in, expect the loudest cheer of the night from the Jordan fans.

What does it mean for Group J?

Argentina finish at the top of the group no matter what happens here.

The fight for 2nd place is settled in the other game, Algeria vs Austria, which kicks off at the same time.

So while this match is about pride and the show, that one decides who joins Argentina in the next stage.

Once the dust settles, the full picture of who goes where lands on the knockout bracket.

Where and when can you watch?

The game is on Saturday June 27, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Kickoff is 21:00 (9:00 PM) Central time, which is 10:00 PM Eastern.

You can also find all the details on the match page.

Want to be in the stands? Have a look at our World Cup tickets guide.