Check out our other previews: Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Group G | Group H | Group I
Argentina
Best result: champion, 18 appearances, third place in the world ranking
Winners in 1978, 1986, and 2022, the Albiceleste are among the most storied teams in World Cup history. The immense, enduring talent of players developed in the potreros makes Argentina one of the most skilful teams in terms of playing quality.
Road to the finals
It was a triumphant campaign for the men coached by Lionel Scaloni, who secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with five matches to spare. They celebrated with a 4-1 victory over historic rivals Brazil at the Monumental in Buenos Aires. As reigning world and South American champions, the Selección dominated the large South American group with 12 wins, two draws, and four losses, scoring 31 goals and conceding just 10 in 18 matches, collecting a total of 38 points.
Key player
Although he will be 39 years old when the World Cup is in full swing, Lionel Messi remains the difference-maker for his national team. In what will be his sixth, and likely final, appearance, he will be more motivated than ever to repeat what he achieved three and a half years ago in Qatar.
Editor's opinion
As defending champions and after winning two consecutive Copa Americas, Lionel Scaloni's men have a moral obligation to go all the way. Thanks to a cohesive group, they can hope to repeat their success in Qatar. The possible inclusion of Nico Paz in the team's dynamics will be crucial, especially if Messi's playing time is reduced, as well as the scoring form of Julian Alvarez, the main attacking reference.
Flashscore prediction
Although not the only contender for the title, Argentina has the experience and squad depth to be a leading force once again. With one more match to play, the knockout rounds become harder to predict, but anything less than a semifinal would undoubtedly be a disappointment for the Albiceleste.
Fixtures
June 17, 03:00 CET: Argentina vs Algeria, Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City
June 22, 19:00 CET: Argentina vs Austria, Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington
June 28, 04:00 CET: Jordan vs Argentina, Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington
Austria
Best result: third place, 8 appearances, 24th in the world ranking
Austria is one of the historic national teams in European football. Although they have never won the World Cup, they can boast a third place in 1954 and a long footballing tradition. After nearly three decades away from the finals, the team led by Ralf Rangnick has returned to qualify for a World Cup, confirming the progress shown in recent years.
Road to the finals
Austria's qualification came at the end of an extremely convincing campaign in UEFA Group H. Rangnick's team finished first ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Cyprus, and San Marino, achieving six wins in eight matches and scoring 22 goals while conceding just four. The decisive 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina on the final day sealed Austria's return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.
Key player
Marcel Sabitzer is the technical and tactical heart of the team. His international experience, ability to influence both the attacking phase and build-up play, and his leadership in the dressing room make him indispensable. Also crucial is the contribution of the evergreen Marko Arnautovic, who became the national team's all-time top scorer during the qualifiers.
Editor's opinion
Austria arrives at the World Cup with enthusiasm and confidence in their abilities. Rangnick's work has given the team identity and aggression, and now they can compete on equal terms with many of Europe's top national teams. Advancing past the group stage would be a realistic goal and mark another step forward in the country's football development.
Flashscore prediction
Austria's goal is to progress from the group behind Argentina, and with a favourable draw after the first phase, they could even aim for the round of 16.
Fixtures
June 17, 06:00 CET: Austria vs Jordan, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium), Santa Clara
June 22, 19:00 CET: Argentina vs Austria, Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington
June 28, 04:00 CET: Algeria vs Austria, Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead Stadium), Kansas City
Algeria
Best result: round of 16, 4 appearances, 29th in the world ranking
The North Africans are one of the most solid teams on their continent, but have been absent from the World Cup for 12 years. The Fennec Foxes can count on a generation rich in technical quality and players established in top European leagues, led by the experience of Riyad Mahrez.
Road to the finals
The team coached by Vladimir Petković secured one of Africa's spots, confirming their value throughout the long CAF qualification process. Thanks to consistent performances and a deep squad, Algeria managed to return to the World Cup finals after twelve years, redeeming the disappointments of recent qualifying campaigns.
Key player
Despite his age, Riyad Mahrez remains the symbol of the national team. The captain continues to be the main technical reference for the squad thanks to his ability to create numerical superiority and goal-scoring chances. Alongside him, the emergence of Amine Gouiri and Mohamed Amoura offers Algeria new attacking options.
Editor's opinion
Algeria probably has one of the most complete squads on the African continent. The experience of many players in Europe and their attacking quality could make the Fennec Foxes a dark horse in the tournament. Much will depend on their defensive solidity and ability to handle pressure in decisive matches.
Flashscore prediction
Getting out of the group is definitely within reach. If they can express their attacking potential, Algeria could reach the round of 16 and try to match their best-ever result.
Fixtures
June 17, 03:00 CET: Argentina vs Algeria, Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City
June 23, 05:00 CET: Jordan vs Algeria, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium), Santa Clara
June 28, 04:00 CET: Algeria vs Austria, Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead Stadium), Kansas City
Jordan
Best result: debut, 63rd in the world ranking
Jordan will write a historic page in its sporting history by participating in the World Cup for the first time. After surprising Asia by reaching the final of the 2023 Asian Cup, Al-Nashama completed their rise by earning a historic qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Road to the finals
The team led by Jamal Sellami secured their World Cup ticket thanks to an excellent run in the Asian qualifiers. The 3-0 win over Oman, with a hat-trick from Ali Olwan, brought them close to qualification, which was then confirmed by South Korea's win over Iraq. Jordan finished second in their group, thus earning their first-ever place in the World Cup finals.
Key player
Mousa Al Tamari is the undisputed star of the team. Thanks to his speed, dribbling ability, and experience in European leagues, he is the main attacking threat for opponents. Much of the team's ambitions revolve around him.
Editor's opinion
Jordan arrives with no particular pressure and with the enthusiasm typical of debutants. Their historic qualification has ignited the passion of an entire country, and in recent years the team has already shown it can compete with the best Asian national teams. The main goal will be to gain experience and try to surprise some higher-ranked opponents.
Flashscore prediction
Getting out of the group would be a real feat, but even a single win in the group stage would be a historic result and a source of national pride.
Fixtures
June 17, 06:00 CET: Austria vs Jordan, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium), Santa Clara
June 23, 05:00 CET: Jordan vs Algeria, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium), Santa Clara
June 28, 04:00 CET: Jordan vs Argentina, Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 national teams and will be played in 16 modern stadiums.
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