Argentina Defeats Jordan 2-0 to Top Group J at 2026 World Cup

Argentina advanced to the knockout stage with a commanding 2-0 victory over Jordan in their final Group J match on June 28, 2026, in Dallas. The defending world champions secured top spot in the group after two consecutive wins, with goals from Giovani Lo Celso (19th minute) and Lautaro Martinez (31st minute) sealing the result in the first half. Head coach Lionel Scaloni made significant lineup changes, resting star forward Lionel Messi on the bench to manage the 39-year-old's workload ahead of the knockout stages.

Scaloni confirmed pre-match that Messi would likely appear as a substitute in the second half rather than start. The decision reflected Argentina's position of strength at the top of Group J and their preparation for upcoming matches. The lineup saw several key players rested or rotated, including Cristian Romero, who was sidelined with a knee injury, and Enzo Fernández in midfield. Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Senesi started in central defence, while Exequiel Palacios and Leandro Paredes formed the midfield pairing.

Jordan, competing in their first World Cup, were already mathematically eliminated before kickoff after successive losses in their opening matches. The debutants finished last in Group J and exited the tournament without a point. Argentina's dominance throughout the contest demonstrated their status as tournament favorites and defending champions, as they controlled possession and kept a clean sheet to complete their opening group stage undefeated.

With the group stage concluded, Argentina faced Cape Verde in the round of 32 in Miami on July 3, 2026, after the African nation finished as surprise runners-up in Group H behind European champions Spain.