World Cup 2026 Group J preview: Argentina, Jordan, and the expanded tournament landscape
By
Gareth Cox
Hand-rolled, kettle-boiled, baked to perfection. Worth every minute at the bakery.
Summary
A preview of Group J at the 2026 World Cup, featuring defending champions Argentina (led by Lionel Scaloni and a 38-year-old Lionel Messi in his final World Cup) alongside debutants Jordan and other Arab nations. The article profiles each team's manager, key players, and prospects in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe 48-year-old moved up from Argentina Under-20s manager to the senior side in 2018, leading the team to a third-place finish at the 2019 Copa America.
Overcoming doubts about his coaching credentials and criticism of his tactical nous, Scaloni's team won the next two Copa Americas (2021 and 2024), the 2022 Finalissima and, later that year, the Qatar World Cup.
Argentina superstar, 38, looking to retain title he won for first time in Qatar 2022
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