Argentina Defeats Jordan 3-1 to Complete Perfect Group J Campaign

Argentina maintained its unbeaten record in Group J of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 3-1 victory over Jordan at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 27. Despite already securing top spot in the group with six points from two previous wins, Argentina executed a dominant performance to close the group stage with three consecutive victories.

Argentina took the lead through Giovani Lo Celso's spectacular free-kick goal in the 19th minute. The midfielder executed a precise left-footed strike that left Jordan's goalkeeper with no chance. Argentina doubled its advantage in the 31st minute when Lautaro Martínez converted a penalty kick after a foul on Marcos Senesi in the area. A second Argentine goal by Lo Celso was disallowed for offside in the 49th minute, maintaining Argentina's 2-0 halftime advantage.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made strategic substitutions at the start of the second half, bringing on Lionel Messi and two other players to refresh the team. Messi added a third goal in the 80th minute, capping an impressive World Cup campaign in which he has been among Argentina's most prolific scorers. Jordan, making its World Cup debut, pulled one goal back through Mousa Al-Taamari's powerful left-footed strike in the 55th minute following a center by Ehsan Haddad, offering the debutant nation a consolation finish to its tournament run.

Argentina progressed to the knockout rounds as group winners after victories of 3-0 against Algeria and 2-0 against Austria in its opening matches. Jordan, which was eliminated following losses to Austria and Algeria in its first two games, ended its World Cup debut campaign without a win but with a late goal that demonstrated competitive resolve. The match was arbitrated by Romanian official István Kovács.