Monday’s results might determine the outcome for Group J of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As we head into the second match of the group stage, Argentina and Austria are both sitting at the top with three points each. It’s nice for Argentina, especially with Lionel Messi and the team set to face Austria on Monday. The winner of this matchup will clinch a spot in the Round of 32.
Moreover, the outcome of the Jordan vs. Algeria game could play a significant role in shaping the group dynamics.
The current situation in Group J is as follows:
What is the ranking of Group J?
Leading up to the matches scheduled for June 22, here’s how Group J stands:
Team |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 3 |
| Austria | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| Jordan | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
| Iraq | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | -3 | 0 |
What is the next Group J match?
With the games on June 22 approaching, here’s what’s lined up: all times are listed in Eastern Time.
Argentina vs. Austria, 1 p.m.
Jordan vs. Algeria, 11 p.m.
Additionally, Algeria vs. Austria, and Jordan vs. Argentina will both take place at 10 p.m.
What is the scenario for Group J?
Looking ahead to Monday, here’s how the scenarios for Group J break down:
If Argentina secures a win, Messi and the team will advance to the round of 32. Also, if Jordan either loses or draws against Algeria, Argentina will claim Group J and face the second-placed team from Group H. More details to follow.
On the flip side, if Austria pulls off an upset and beats Argentina, they too will qualify for the Round of 32. An upset victory combined with Algeria’s loss or draw against Jordan would solidify Austria’s position in the group.
If Algeria loses to Jordan, they will be out of the tournament if Austria either wins or draws against Argentina.
Similarly, if Jordan fails against Algeria, they will also be eliminated if Argentina wins or draws against Algeria.
What will happen with tie-breaks in Group J?
Now, let’s examine the tie-break scenario for Group J as the matches on June 22 approach.
This year’s tie-break rule is interesting: if teams finish the group stage with the same number of points, there’s a specific three-step process to resolve it.
The first step involves assessing the maximum points earned in group matches among the tied teams. Following that is the goal difference in those group matches, and finally, the sum of points earned in all group matches between those teams.
If the tie persists, they move to the next step: looking at the overall goal difference and total goals scored in all matches of the group, and for the final step, a behavior score based on yellow and red cards comes into play.
Should a tie still not be resolved, teams ranked equally will be evaluated according to the latest FIFA standings.
Essentially, a tie-breaker starts by determining “maximum points earned in the group matches between the teams involved,” which acts as a sort of head-to-head comparison.
To illustrate, let’s take Argentina. If they beat Algeria and Jordan doesn’t best Algeria, Argentina could win Group J. But, if Argentina prevails while Jordan also manages a win, they’ll have six points to Jordan’s three.
In the last match, if Jordan wins against Argentina, they’ll take home the top position since they’ll have gained more points in their match against Argentina.
This analysis also applies to Austria, who is set to play Algeria in the final round.
