World Cup 2026 Group J betting preview & team guide
Before becoming a Sports Journalist for Free Super Tips, Aaron spent three years studying Sports Journalism at the University of Sunderland while taking in the Black Cats' 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill. Now back in Northern Ireland he turns niche stats into predictions for FST, while he's one of the few people on this island who is equally comfortable at Windsor Park and the Aviva.
Argentina are heavy favourites to ease into the knockout rounds as they aim to defend their title. Austria are priced up as their biggest threat, with Jordan the rank outsiders, while a talented Algeria side will be targeting a place in the next round.
World Cup 2026 Group J winner betting odds
- Argentina – 1/3
- Austria – 9/2
- Algeria – 11/2
- Jordan – 40/1
* All odds correct as of 3rd June, 2026 on bet365.com
Group J guide
Argentina
Overview
The defending champions are targeting a last hurrah with Lionel Messi, who is set to appear at his sixth, and final, World Cup. Lionel Scaloni has led the team to two Copa America triumphs alongside their title in Qatar, and this could also be his final tournament with the national team.
Strengths
There’s been little turnover in the Argentina side since Qatar, and that continuity should be a boost this summer. They’re particularly strong in attack, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez competing for a starting role.
Weaknesses
Argentina’s success in 2022 was heavily weighted on Messi being the difference-maker in tight games. The 38-year-old is now playing in MLS, so it will be interesting to see how he fares at the tournament. Defensive question marks are also an issue, with ageing veterans competing with younger options who might not be cut out for the highest level.
Prospects
Argentina were runaway leaders in qualifying, winning 12 of 18 games in the world’s most competitive region. Their repeat success at the last Copa America proves they’re still among the world’s best, and they will aim to become the first team to retain the trophy since 1962.
Team guide
Best World Cup finish: Winners (1978, 1986, 2022)
Key player: Lionel Messi
Rising star: Nico Paz/ Franco Mastantuono
Argentina predicted lineup (4-3-3): Martinez; Molina, Romero, Martinez, Tagliafico; Mac Allister, De Paul, Fernandez; Messi, Almada, Alvarez
Best Bet – Argentina to reach the quarter-finals
Scaloni has turned Argentina into an impressive tournament team, guiding them to third at the Copa America in 2019, before landing back-to-back South American titles and the World Cup in Qatar. They’ve got enough difference makers to guide them through the early rounds, and it’s hard to see Messi’s final tournament ending before the quarter-final stage.
Austria
Overview
Austria are back at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, after impressing at Euro 2024 with their intense pressing style. Their last 16 exit to Turkey felt like a missed opportunity, but Austria return to the World Cup with proof that their approach can trouble the world’s best.
Strengths
Ralf Rangnick didn’t get off to the greatest start after his troubled Old Trafford spell, losing four of his first six games. However, when their pressing style clicked, they took off. Austria won 12 of 16 games ahead of Euro 2024. After back-to-back wins in March, they’ve picked up eight wins from 10.
Weaknesses
Marko Arnautovic continues to lead the line for Austria at age 37, which isn’t ideal for their high-pressing approach. Add in the injury issues around captain David Alaba, and they could spend considerable time without their best 11 at the tournament.
Prospects
With the runner-up behind Argentina expected to meet Spain in the next round, Austria’s hopes of a deep run don’t look particularly strong. They could get a kinder draw as the third-place side, which could pit them against Belgium or the top side in a weaker Group A. However, after topping a group which contained France and the Netherlands two years ago, they’ll have their sights set higher.
Team guide
Best World Cup finish: Third Place (1954)
Key player: Marcel Sabitzer
Rising star: Carney Chukwuemeka
Austria predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Schlager; Laimer, Danso, Lienhart, Alaba; Seiwald, Schlager; Schmid, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic
Best Bet – Over 5.5 team total goals at 10/11
Austria tested France in their opening game at Euro 2024, before putting three goals past Poland and the Netherlands. They’ve scored 39 goals in 16 qualifiers under Rangnick, and 15 across eight games in their last Nations League campaign. Algeria and Jordan look vulnerable defensively, and this sharp Austrian side are capable of clearing this total in those two games alone.
Algeria
Overview
Algeria return to the biggest stage for the first time since 2014, and they’re heading into the tournament at a crossroads. Captain Riyad Mahrez, who made just one appearance in their run to the last 16 in Brazil, is now 35. As he prepares to pass the torch, he’s supported by up-and-coming talents in Ibrahim Maza and Fares Chaibi.
Strengths
Maza and Chaibi are part of the next wave of Algerian talents, with the Bundesliga-based pair just 20 and 23, respectively. Along with Mahrez, they form an impressive creative trio behind the central striker, with Mohamed Amoura and Amine Gouiri competing for that role.
Weaknesses
Luca Zidane, the 28-year-old son of Zinedine, has been drafted in as Algeria’s goalkeeper for the tournament. The Granada stopper could be a weak link behind a solid defensive line. There’s also intense pressure on manager Vladimir Petkovic. The former Switzerland coach held onto his job with solid displays at AFCON and during the March friendlies, but patience could run out this summer.
Prospects
Algeria’s run to the quarter-finals at AFCON this year was a notable improvement from consecutive group stage exits. They will be aiming to avoid a similar fate at this tournament, but that’s going to rest on a high-scoring victory over Jordan.
Team guide
Best World Cup finish: Last 16 (2014)
Key player: Riyad Mahrez
Rising star: Ibrahim Maza
Algeria predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Zerrouki, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Maza, Chaibi; Amoura
Best Bet – Mohamed Amoura to be top team goalscorer at 5/2
Amoura played a key role in getting Algeria to the World Cup. He was the top scorer in African qualifying with 10 goals, and he has 19 strikes in 44 appearances for his country. At 26, he’s one of the few Algerian players who is at his peak this summer, and the forward has an impressive supporting cast to create opportunities for him.
Jordan
Overview
Jordan secured a World Cup berth by pipping Iraq to second in their qualifying group, which they followed up with a run to the final of the Arab Cup in December. They head to the tournament as one of the biggest outsiders, priced at 40/1 to top Group J, but some high-scoring draws with Costa Rica and Nigeria in March suggest they can trouble someone.
Strengths
Ali Olwan and Rennes winger Musa Al-Taamari are two of Jordan’s highest-scoring players in their history, and the pair will feature in the front three at this tournament. They’re backed by a string of young attacking options, with three players aged 22 or younger included among the forward selected in the 26-man squad.
Weaknesses
Yazan Al-Naimat and Baha’ Faisal have scored 44 goals between them at international level, but the pair will miss out on this tournament. That, in addition to their largely domestic-based squad, leaves Jordan lacking the talent to compete at the tournament, particularly in defence.
Prospects
Jordan are as short as 3/10 to miss out on a place in the next round, so they aren’t fancied for a long stay at the tournament. However, with more quality going forward than back, Jordan could make an impression across their three group games.
Team guide
Best World Cup finish: N/A (Debut)
Key player: Musa Al-Taamari
Rising star: Ali Azaizeh
Jordan predicted lineup (3-4-3): Abulaila; Nasib, Al-Arab, Al-Rosan; Assaf, Al-Rawabdeh, Al-Rashdan, Taha; Al-Taamari, Olwan, Al-Fakhouri
Best Bet – Over 1.5 total team goals at 4/7
Jordan’s back-to-back 2-2 draws in March suggest they can cause problems going forward, while they also netted a couple of goals in defeats to Albania and Tunisia late last year. Their prospects of scoring against the World Champions are boosted by the fact that they meet in the final round, and they could catch Austria cold in their opener.
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