Jordan vs Argentina: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | World Cup 2026

Jordan vs Argentina prediction: Reigning world champions Argentina look to preserve their perfect Group J record in Dallas, while already-eliminated Jordan chase pride and a first World Cup point.

Match Details

Match Preview with Interesting Fact

Argentina close their World Cup 2026 Group J campaign against already-eliminated Jordan at AT&T Stadium, with the reigning world champions aiming to preserve a perfect start and protect their ruthless tournament rhythm.

Lionel Scaloni’s side have already qualified for the last 32 and secured top spot in the group after another controlled win, beating Austria 2-0. Lionel Messi scored twice in that match, recovering from an early missed penalty to produce another major World Cup moment.

Messi’s second goal against Austria took him to 18 World Cup goals, moving him beyond Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. At 39, the Argentina captain remains at the centre of a team chasing back-to-back world titles.

Argentina have now built a nine-match winning run across all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets and conceding only once in that sequence. Their defensive control, midfield balance and match management have made them look every inch like champions again.

Jordan’s story is different but still meaningful. One of the debutant nations at this tournament, the Chivalrous Ones have already been eliminated after defeats to Austria and Algeria. However, they scored in both matches and will want to leave a strong impression in their final game.

The interesting fact is that this will be the first ever meeting between Jordan and Argentina. It pits the world’s top-ranked reigning champions against a debutant side trying to earn its first World Cup point.

Jordan Team Analysis

Jordan have shown courage in their first World Cup campaign, even if results have gone against them. They lost 3-1 to Austria and 2-1 to Algeria, but in both matches there were moments that gave supporters something to celebrate.

Ali Olwan scored Jordan’s first ever World Cup goal on matchday one and is expected to lead the line again. He is also close to equalling Hamza Al-Dardour’s national goalscoring record, which gives him an added personal target.

Musa Al-Taamari remains the key creative outlet, while captain Ihsan Haddad gives leadership and experience at right wing-back. Jordan will need those senior figures to help the team survive long spells without the ball.

The major concern is defending set-pieces. Jordan have conceded three of their five goals at this World Cup from corners, including both goals against Algeria. Against Argentina, that aerial vulnerability could be punished again.

Argentina Team Analysis

Argentina arrive with qualification and top spot already secured, so Scaloni has room to rotate. However, the champions will not want to lose rhythm, especially with a knockout campaign ahead.

Messi may still start, potentially with a plan to bring him off early. His form remains extraordinary, and he continues to influence matches not only through goals but through tempo, positioning and final-third intelligence.

Cristian Romero is unlikely to feature after coming off with a knee issue against Austria. Marcos Senesi and Nicolas Otamendi are options to replace him, while Lisandro Martinez could also be rested depending on Scaloni’s rotation plan.

Further forward, Lautaro Martinez is expected to lead the line if Argentina freshen the attack. Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios and Thiago Almada could all be used to manage minutes while maintaining control.

Head-to-Head & Past Encounters

Jordan and Argentina have never previously met at senior international level, making this Group J fixture a historic first encounter.

Argentina enter the match as heavy favourites because of their pedigree, ranking, squad depth and current form. They are attempting to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup.

Jordan, meanwhile, are playing for pride, experience and a chance to test themselves against the highest standard in international football. Even a competitive performance would be remembered as part of their first World Cup journey.

Tactical Battle & Key Matchups

The tactical battle should revolve around Argentina’s control against Jordan’s defensive resilience. Argentina will dominate the ball, use midfield rotations and look for gaps between Jordan’s back line and wing-backs.

Jordan are likely to defend deep and try to counter through Al-Taamari and Olwan. Their challenge is to keep enough players behind the ball without becoming trapped inside their own penalty area.

Set-pieces are a major matchup. Argentina have the delivery and aerial options to exploit Jordan’s weakness from corners, while Jordan must defend with far greater concentration than they showed against Algeria.

Messi’s positioning is another key. Even if he plays reduced minutes, his ability to receive between lines and draw defenders out could open space for Lautaro Martinez, Almada or the wide runners.

Injuries & Team News

• Jordan: No major injury or fitness issues have been reported.
• Jordan: Jamal Sellami could select a similar lineup to the one that narrowly lost to Algeria.
• Jordan: Ali Olwan is expected to lead the line after scoring Jordan’s first World Cup goal.
• Jordan: Musa Al-Taamari and captain Ihsan Haddad are set to be important senior figures again.
• Jordan: Yazan Al-Arab, Abdallah Nasib and Husam Abu Dahab could continue in the back three.
• Argentina: Cristian Romero is unlikely to feature after suffering a knee issue against Austria.
• Argentina: Marcos Senesi and Nicolas Otamendi are candidates to replace Romero.
• Argentina: Lisandro Martinez could be rested as part of Scaloni’s rotation.
• Argentina: Lionel Messi may start with a plan to manage his minutes before the knockout stage.

Predicted Lineups

Jordan predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): Abulaila; Al-Arab, Nasib, Abu Dahab; Haddad, Al-Rashdan, Al-Rawabdeh, Abu Taha; Al-Tamari, Al-Mardi; Olwan.

Argentina predicted lineup (4-4-2): E. Martinez; Montiel, Otamendi, Martinez, Tagliafico; Lo Celso, Paredes, Palacios, Almada; Messi, L. Martinez.

Betting Tips

• Full-time result: Argentina win.
• Both teams to score: No.
• Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals.
• Double chance: Argentina or draw.
• Correct score: Jordan 0-3 Argentina.

Score Prediction

Goal.mu predicts: Jordan 0-3 Argentina.

Jordan have shown pride and attacking flashes in their first World Cup, but Argentina’s control, defensive record and attacking class should be too strong. Even with rotation, the world champions have enough quality to dominate possession, exploit set-pieces and finish Group J with a perfect record.

Hot Stat

Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 18 goals after his brace against Austria.

Final Analysis

Jordan vs Argentina is a meeting between a debutant nation seeking a memorable final statement and a champion side trying to keep a flawless tournament rhythm. Jordan will fight for pride, and their ability to score in both opening games shows they can still threaten.

Argentina, however, are operating at a different level. Scaloni can rotate without losing structure, Messi remains decisive, and the team’s defensive platform is among the strongest in the competition. Expect Jordan to work hard and enjoy moments of encouragement, but Argentina should win comfortably.