FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J Preview: Lionel Messi’s last dance awaits as the rest eye progress
Few stories will dominate the World Cup quite like Lionel Messi’s pursuit of one final moment of greatness. The defending champions arrive in North America with many of the heroes who delivered glory in Qatar, but questions remain over whether an ageing squad can go the distance once again.
Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 carrying plenty of attacking firepower while Austria have emerged as one of Europe’s most dangerous dark horses under Ralf Rangnick. Jordan will embrace the role of fearless newcomers as they prepare for their tournament debut.
Argentina: Can Lionel Messi do it one more time for the defending champions?
The image of Messi lifting the World Cup trophy in Lusail has become one of football’s defining moments. It ended a wait that stretched across generations and completed the greatest career in the sport’s history.
Four years later, La Albiceleste return as defending champions. The challenge now is proving they can remain at the summit.
Lionel Scaloni deserves enormous credit for creating a team that is greater than the sum of its parts. His tactical flexibility has been one of Argentina’s greatest strengths. At times they dominate possession, while in other matches they are happy to defend deep and strike on the counterattack.
The core of the squad remains intact. Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez continue to provide goals up front, while Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández bring energy and quality to midfield. Yet there is no escaping the fact that several key players are now approaching the latter stages of their careers. Managing those legs across a long tournament could become a major factor.
Even so, writing off Argentina would be a mistake few are willing to make.
Player to watch: Lionel Messi
At 39, Messi knows this is almost certainly his final World Cup appearance. Individual records may continue to fall, but his focus will remain on team success. The biggest question facing Argentina is a simple one: can Messi still produce those moments of magic when they need them most? History suggests it would be foolish to doubt him.
Austria: Ralf Rangnick’s men can press teams out of games
Austria’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 has been a long time coming. More importantly, they have arrived on merit.
The team built by Ralf Rangnick has become one of Europe’s most difficult opponents. Their energetic pressing game suffocates teams in possession and often forces mistakes high up the pitch. That identity was on full display during qualification, where Austria topped their group, and during an impressive Euro 2024 campaign that earned them admirers across the continent.
The squad combines experienced leaders with exciting young talent. David Alaba remains a calming presence, while Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer understand exactly what Rangnick demands. Younger players such as Paul Wanner and Carney Chukwuemeka add flair and unpredictability.
Austria may not attract the headlines of some bigger nations, but they have all the ingredients of a genuine dark horse.
Player to watch: Marcel Sabitzer
Sabitzer remains the heartbeat of this Austrian side. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder combines work rate with creativity and has a habit of influencing big games. With his 100th international appearance approaching, his experience could be invaluable during pressure moments.
Algeria: Desert Warriors hoping to rise to the occasion
Algeria have spent much of the past decade being regarded as one of Africa’s strongest teams. Too often, however, expectations have not been matched by results.
Disappointing AFCON campaigns have raised questions about the Desert Warriors’ ability to handle pressure. Yet there are signs that the tide may be turning. Recent performances, including a draw against Uruguay and a victory over the Netherlands, suggest a team gradually rediscovering its confidence.
Head coach Vladimir Petković brings valuable tournament experience after guiding Switzerland at the 2018 World Cup. His teams are typically well-organized but never afraid to attack when opportunities present themselves.
Riyad Mahrez may no longer be at his peak, but he remains a dangerous player capable of deciding matches. Alongside him, Mohamed Amoura and Ibrahim Maza provide pace, movement, and a willingness to take risks in the final third.
If Algeria find consistency, they have every chance of challenging for a knockout-stage place.
Player to watch: Riyad Mahrez
Age may have reduced some of Mahrez’s explosiveness, but not his quality. The former Manchester City star still possesses the vision and technical ability to unlock compact defenses. His leadership will be just as important. In a group featuring little margin for error, Algeria will look to their captain for inspiration.
Jordan: The Chivalrous Ones will play without fear
Jordan’s first appearance at a World Cup represents a landmark moment for football in the country. Reaching the tournament is the reward for years of steady progress and growing belief.
The Chivalrous Ones scored 32 goals during qualification and have already shown they can compete with some of Asia’s strongest nations. Runs to the finals of both the AFC Asian Cup and Arab Cup highlighted a team that continues to exceed expectations.
Head coach Jamal Sellami prefers a counterattacking approach and is unlikely to abandon it against stronger opposition. Jordan have enough attacking talent to trouble defenses, but they will also understand the importance of staying compact against elite teams.
Ali Olwan, Mohannad Abu Taha, and Musa Al-Tamari carry much of the creative burden. They will be expected to provide the moments capable of turning matches on their head.
Player to watch: Musa Al-Tamari
Often referred to as the “Jordanian Messi,” Al-Tamari enters the tournament as his country’s biggest star. The Rennes winger contributed six goals and six assists during the 2025-26 season and remains Jordan’s most dangerous outlet on the counterattack. If the debutants are to pull off a surprise, Al-Tamari will likely be at the center of it.
