⚽ World Cup 2026: Group J Predictions, Best Bets & Odds

The 2026 World Cup gets underway tomorrow, but you'll have to wait until next week to see defending champion Argentina and the rest of Group J get underway. The defending champions, led by Messi, are a -265 betting favorite to come out on top of their group that also features Austria, Algeria, and Jordan.

But someone has to finish second and advance, and could a third-place team sneak into the knockouts? Can Jordan pick up even a single point? My Group J best bets and predictions dig into those questions.

📅 World Cup 2026: Group J schedule

The schedule for Group J is one of the heavier ones in the entire tournament, with games in Missouri, Texas, and California. 

• June 16 -> Argentina vs. Algeria (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.)
• June 16 -> Austria vs. Jordan (Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.)

• June 22 -> Argentina vs. Austria (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
• June 22 -> Jordan vs. Algeria (Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.)

• June 27 -> Algeria vs. Austria (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.)
• June 27 -> Jordan vs. Argentina (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)

⚽ World Cup 2026: Group J best bets

Jordan to lose all Group J games (+130)

Welcome to the big show, Jordan. The World Cup debutant will have its work cut out for it to score at all, never mind pick up a single point via a draw. The biggest hope here might actually be their final game against the sure-to-be Group J winner, Argentina. Because the group will likely be wrapped up by that fixture, Argentina will very likely feature heavy rotation in its squad. 

Unfortunately for Jordan, a big battle between Austria and Algeria for second in the group (and a probable advancement from third) means that they'll likely be a punching bag for their first two games as the clubs look to bolster their goal differential, which could decide the standings. Austria will use their gegenpressing strategy to force turnovers and overwhelm Jordan's low block, while Algeria will dictate possession in the midfield until Jordan's backline runs out of steam and starts making errors. I fully expect that both of those games feature Algeria and Austria playing "containment" football by the 60-minute mark.

So, can Jordan muster a point off a heavily-rotated Argentinian side in the group finale? I'm betting they can't, and I think the market here is soft enough to warrant a play. Even a heavily-rotated Argentinian squad will will dominate possession. If, for some reason, Argentina stumble on the way in against Austria or Algeria and Jordan ends up having to face the wrath of the world's current No. 1-ranked team...yikes. 

❓ World Cup 2026: Group J FAQs

Which teams are in Group J? 

Reigning-champion Argentina is joined by Algeria, Austria, and tournament debutant Jordan in Group J.

Who is the favorite to win Group J?

Argentina is a -265 betting favorite to win Group J and advance to the knockout rounds as they begin their title defense.

When does Group J play?

Group J opens their tournament play on June 16, with their second games on June 22, and their final games on June 27.