FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina Wins Group J, Advances to Knockout Stage

Kathmandu. Matches of Group 'J' under FIFA World Cup 2026 have been completed. Defending champions Argentina have entered the knockout stage with a 100% win rate by defeating Jordan 3-1. Meanwhile, the exciting match between Algeria and Austria ended in a 3-3 draw.

In the match held at Dallas Stadium, for Argentina, Giovani Lo Celso scored the first goal through a free-kick in the 19th minute. Then Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from a penalty in the 31st minute. In the second half, Musa Al-Taamari scored one goal for Jordan, but captain Lionel Messi, who came on as a substitute, ensured Argentina's 3-1 victory by scoring through a free-kick in the 80th minute. With this, Messi has reached 19 goals in his World Cup career.

Meanwhile, the match between Algeria and Austria at Kansas City Stadium remained exciting until the final moments. While Marco Arnautović and Marcel Sabitzer scored for Austria, and Rayaan Belyalali and Riyad Mahrez scored two goals for Algeria, giving the team a 3-2 lead until injury time. But in the 90+6th minute of the game, substitute Sasa Kalajdzic equalized with a header, bringing Austria to a 3-3 draw.

With this result, Argentina became the group winner, while Austria finished second and will face Spain in the final 32. Algeria secured third place with an excellent comeback and will compete with Switzerland. Jordan has been eliminated from the competition, remaining without points.