Argentina Aims for Perfect Group Stage Sweep; Austria and Algeria Eye Knockout Qualification
Former champions Argentina will face newcomers Jordan, while Austria and Algeria will compete against each other.
News Summary
- The decisive Group J matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will simultaneously kick off at 7:45 AM Nepal time on Sunday.
- Group leader Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to rest captain Lionel Messi for the game against Jordan.
- Austria and Algeria will battle for knockout phase qualification; Austria requires at least a draw, while Algeria must win.
June 27, Kathmandu – The final and decisive matches of Group J in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin simultaneously on Sunday morning. Scheduled for 7:45 AM Nepal time, these matches feature the former champions Argentina facing newcomers Jordan, and Austria competing against Algeria.
The Argentina vs. Jordan match will be held at Dallas Stadium, while the Algeria vs. Austria match will take place at Kansas City Stadium. Having secured full points from two matches, Argentina has already qualified for the knockout stage (Round of 32) as group winners. Austria and Algeria are tied with three points each in second and third place respectively, while Jordan has been eliminated without points. The outcome of the Austria-Algeria game will determine the group’s second team to reach the knockout phase.
Argentina Seeks Clean Sweep
The defending champions Argentina aim to secure an easy victory over debutants Jordan to maintain their perfect winning record in the group stage. Argentina previously defeated Algeria 3–0 and Austria 2–0 in the opening matches.
Captain Lionel Messi will not start in this match. Having scored five goals, including a hat-trick in the first two games, Messi will be rested against Jordan. Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed at the pre-match press conference that Messi will be on the bench.
Jordan, who lost 3–1 to Austria and 2–1 to Algeria, fights to protect its honor in its first-ever World Cup appearance. They will attempt to stun strong Argentina with a historic upset.
Battle for Knockout Qualification Between Austria and Algeria
Both Austria and Algeria aim to become the group’s second team to advance to the knockout phase. Austria, leading on goal difference, just needs a draw to progress, whereas Algeria must secure a win. The winner of this match will finish as group runner-up and move directly into the Round of 32.
Austria won their opener against Jordan 3–1 but lost 2–0 to Argentina. Algeria lost 3–0 to Argentina in their first match but revived their hopes by beating Jordan 2–1.
For Algeria, this game is also an opportunity for historic revenge. In the 1982 World Cup, Austria defeated Algeria to advance to the next round. Seeking payback for that defeat, Algeria is eager to reach the knockout stage. Austria, too, is eager to replicate their triumph from 44 years ago.