Argentina, Austria, and Algeria have advanced from Group J at the 2026 Men’s World Cup, whilst Jordan were eliminated.

One of only three teams to finish the group phase with a perfect nine points, the Albiceleste were led by Lionel MESSI, who scored his team’s first five goals. He has now claimed the record for most career Men’s World Cup goals with nineteen and counting, having passed the previous record of 16 held by Germany’s Miroslav KLOSE.

With both sides already having defeated Jordan, Algeria and Austria knew that a draw would send them each to the elimination phase. However, the match opened briskly, with the pace only increasing as time elapsed. The teams traded goals until the score reached 2-2, and they appeared content to run out the clock at that point. However, seemingly from nowhere, Houssem AOUAR played a through ball to captain Riyad MAHREZ, who finished off to put the Fennecs in front in stoppage time. Now needing a goal to avoid elimination, Austria manager Ralf RANGNICK substituted on Saša KALAJDŽIĆ, who moments later headed home to draw the Burschen level once again for a breathtaking 3-3 finish that eliminated Iran from the tournament.

Argentina’s opponent in the round of 32 is a resolute Cabo Verde squad, with the match taking place in Miami Gardens, FL, United States on FRI 03 JUL 2026. Austria will square off against Spain in Inglewood, CA, United States on THU 02 JUL 2026, with Algeria travelling to Vancouver, BC, Canada for a match against Switzerland later that day.