Argentina complete perfect group stage with win over Jordan
Argentina finished the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage with a flawless record after beating Jordan 3-1 at AT&T Stadium on Sunday to finish as Group J champions.
Giovani Lo Celso, Lautaro Martinez, and Lionel Messi all scored from set-pieces for the defending champions, while Mousa Al-Tamari pulled one back for Jordan in the second half.
Messi started the match from the bench, as coach Lionel Scaloni had said in the pre-match press conference.
Still, the South Americans dominated possession from the start and quickly took control of the match. Jordan struggled to deal with the Albiceleste’s movement and passing combinations in the attacking third.
Lo Celso nearly opened the scoring in the seventh minute, with a chip over the goalkeeper that went in, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Argentina continued to press and eventually found the breakthrough in the 19th minute. Lo Celso stepped up for a free kick and cleverly curled his effort into the far corner.
Jordan attempted to respond but struggled to create clear chances. Argentina maintained control, slowing the tempo and keeping their opponents away from dangerous areas.
The South American side earned a penalty in the 30th minute after Nizar Al-Rashdan caught Marcos Senesi with a high boot. After a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot.
Lautaro Martinez stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, doubling Argentina’s advantage with a precise finish into the bottom corner.
Argentina almost added a third before halftime when Tagliafico’s cross found Lautaro, whose volley struck the post. Senesi then headed the rebound narrowly over.
Julian Alvarez also came close late in the first half, but Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila denied his effort to keep the score at 2-0.
Jordan made attacking changes after the break and found a way back into the contest in the 55th minute.
Ehsan Haddad delivered a dangerous low cross from the right, allowing Al-Tamari to finish with a perfectly timed run and reduce the deficit.
The goal gave Jordan renewed confidence, but Argentina quickly regained control and introduced Messi, Alexis Mac Allister, and Thiago Almada.
Messi immediately added more creativity to Argentina’s attack, testing Jordan’s defence with dangerous runs and set pieces.
The captain eventually extended Argentina’s lead in the 80th minute. After winning a free kick outside the box, Messi fired a low strike into the far corner.
The goal marked another milestone for Messi, who became the first man to score in seven consecutive World Cups, a streak that began four years ago in the Qatar World Cup.
Argentina refused to slow down after the third goal and continued creating pressure, forcing Jordan to defend deep during the closing stages.
Argentina will next face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 fixture on July 4.
Jordan suffered further setbacks late in the match, with Husam Abu Dahab leaving the field on a stretcher after an injury.
Five minutes of stoppage time were added, but Jordan could not find another breakthrough as Argentina comfortably saw out the victory.
Meanwhile, in the other Group J match, Austria and Algeria played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, which included two goals – one each from Austria and Algeria – inside the final four minutes of the match.
With the result, both qualified for the knockouts, with Austria finishing as group runners-up and Algeria getting through to the Round of 32 as one of the best eight third-placed sides.