Another Masterclass from Messi? Jordan vs Argentina Prediction | June 28, 2026
One of the final Group J fixtures at the 2026 FIFA World Cup takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, where already-qualified Argentina face tournament debutants Jordan. While the South Americans have already secured a place in the knockout stage, Jordan enter the match playing only for pride after being eliminated.
Match Preview
Jordan have shown determination throughout their historic first-ever FIFA World Cup campaign, but the difference in quality has ultimately been evident. They opened the tournament with a 3-1 defeat to Austria, where Ali Olwan scored the nation's first-ever World Cup goal, before suffering another narrow 2-1 loss against Algeria despite taking the lead through Nizar Al Rashdan.
Those performances demonstrated Jordan's fighting spirit, yet defensive lapses and a lack of experience at this level proved costly in both matches. With zero points and a 2:5 goal difference, the Asian side has already lost any chance of reaching the Round of 32 and will simply aim to end the tournament on a positive note.
- Expected Jordan Lineup: Abulaila, Abu Dahab, Al Arab, Nasib, Abu Taha, Al Rawabdeh, Al Rashdan, Haddad, Al Mardi, Tamari, Olwan.
Argentina, meanwhile, have looked every bit like defending world champions. Lionel Scaloni's side opened with a dominant 3-0 victory over Algeria before beating Austria 2-0 in another controlled display. Lionel Messi has been the standout performer, scoring all five of Argentina's goals across the opening two rounds.
Having already secured top spot in the group with six points and a perfect defensive record, Argentina may rotate several key players. However, even their second unit features elite-level talent capable of deciding matches. Players such as Giovani Lo Celso, Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez and Exequiel Palacios provide tremendous depth and will be eager to impress ahead of the knockout rounds.
- Expected Argentina Lineup: E. Martínez, Montiel, Senesi, Otamendi, Tagliafico, Lo Celso, Palacios, Paredes, Simeone, Paz, Alvarez.
Key Trends
- Argentina have won both World Cup matches without conceding a goal (5:0 aggregate score).
- Jordan have lost both group matches, conceding five goals.
- Jordan have allowed at least two goals in both matches at this tournament.
- Jordan have no mathematical chance of reaching the knockout stage.
Prediction
Although Argentina are expected to make several changes, the overall quality gap between the two squads remains enormous. Scaloni's rotation options are established stars at Europe's biggest clubs, and every player coming into the lineup has extra motivation to earn a starting role for the knockout stage. Jordan deserve credit for competing bravely in their World Cup debut, but their defensive structure has struggled whenever facing sustained pressure. Argentina's technical superiority, depth, and attacking movement should gradually wear down the Asian side, especially during the second half when Jordan have consistently faded physically. Even with several regular starters rested, Argentina possess enough firepower to secure another convincing victory and comfortably cover a two-goal margin. Recommended Bet: Argentina -1.5 Asian Handicap
