Defending World Cup champion Argentina is the heavy favorite to advance to the knockout stage by winning Group J. After months of indecision Lionel Messi has confirmed he will play in the 2026 World Cup and it will be his last. That also has the Argentines positioned as one of five teams with shorter than 10/1 odds on the World Cup futures board.
On paper the path to first place in Group J looks manageable for Argentina. Second favorite Austria is making its first World Cup appearance in 28 years and Jordan is one of a few first timers in the tournament. With the defending champs expected to breeze to the knockout stage, the battle is for second place. Austria and Algeria will compete in a high-stakes showdown in the final day of group play on June 27 in Kansas City.
Get the latest Soccer news, check out the current betting lines for the upcoming tournaments, and don’t miss the soccer action, all with the best odds at BookMaker!
Odds to win Group J
Argentina -310
Austria +480
Algeria +650
Jordan +5000
Even if Messi had elected to forego the World Cup Argentina would still be a heavy favorite to win the group. The distraction of waiting on his decision caused some anxious moments. The core of the 2022 championship roster remains intact and when fully healthy Messi is the best, even at his advanced age. Coach Lionel Scaloni has blended the veteran greatness of Messi with young talents like Franco Mastantuono to build a deep, cohesive squad. Austria is a big World Cup odds favorite to secure second place but could face a test against the unpredictable Algerians.
Odds for Group J teams to win World Cup
Argentina +850
Austria +17037
Algeria +45098
Jordan +255524
Boasting World Cup experience and a recent title, Argentina is one of five clubs with shorter than 10/1 championship odds. A stark contrast has Jordan, making its World Cup debut, sporting the second longest odds to with the tournament. Austria’s high-intensity style produced six wins and a draw in qualifying matches, including a 10-0 rout of San Marino in the squad’s biggest victory. Algeria is capable of forcing the issue, but lacks depth and offensive firepower.
Group J Team Previews
Argentina -310
The depth and experience allows Argentina to run different setups depending on the opponent, and the team doesn’t suffer in any area. With the Messi situation now resolved Argentina can concentrate on football and how it will make a return trip to the final match with a chance to repeat for the first time since Brazil won in 1958 and 1962. Based on his Golden Glove performance in the 2022 World Cup, Emiliano Martinez is the best goalkeeper in the tournament
Group Match Schedule:
June 16: vs. Algeria, 9 p.m. ET, Kansas City, US
June 22: vs. Austria, 1 p.m. ET, Arlington, US
June 27: vs. Jordan, 10 p.m. ET, Arlington, US
Austria +480
Making their first World Cup appearance since 1998 isn’t a valid reason to overlook Austria. In qualifying they won six matches with a draw scoring 22 goals and allowing just four. The March window produced impressive wins over Ghana and South Korea. The relentless pressure applied to opponents creates chances and Marcel Sabitzer is one to capitalize.
Group Match Schedule:
June 16: vs. Jordan, 12 a.m. ET, Santa Clara, US
June 22: vs. Argentina, 1 p.m. ET, Arlington, US
June 27: vs. Algeria, 10 p.m. ET, Kansas City, US
Algeria +650
The club needs to prove its pressing style can work against top ranked South American teams. Algeria convincingly won its qualifying group with eight wins in 10 games and a 7-point bulge over second place. The high-intensity attack game is built around the strong play of Riyad Mahrez, Mohammed Amoura and Amine Gouiri. Mahrez is the veteran leader at 35 and has conceded playing time to younger players for a team that has versatility to change structures.
Group Match Schedule:
June 16: vs. Argentina, 12 a.m. ET, Kansas City, US
June 22: vs. Jordan, 11 p.m. ET, Santa Clara, US
June 27: vs. Austria, 10 p.m. ET, Kansas City, US
Jordan +5000
Under Jamal Sellami the Jordanians have lost just twice in 12 matches. They reached the Arab Cup final last December using a disciplined defensive structure. The attack is built around the speed of Moussa Al Tamari, who became the first Jordanian to play in Ligue 1. He had a goal and assist in a historic 2-0 win over South Korea in the 2024 Asian Cup semifinals.
Group Match Schedule:
June 16: vs. Austria, 12 a.m. ET, Santa Clara, US
June 22: vs. Algeria, 11 p.m. ET, Santa Clara, US
June 27: vs. Argentina, 10 p.m. ET, Arlington, US
Make your bets now at BookMaker and get fast Bitcoin payouts, the best odds available anywhere, and don’t forget about live betting at BookMaker Sportsbook!
