Argentina finished top of Group J after beating Jordan 3-1, while Algeria and Austria played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in their final group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As the defending champions, Argentina won Group J but will face Cape Verde (the Group H runners-up in the Round of 32.
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Argentina advanced as Group J winners and are expected to face the runners-up of Group I in the Round of 32, while Austria, which finished second in Group J, is projected to face the winner of Group H.
Austria took the lead against Algeria in the 28th minute through Marko Arnautovic after a fine assist from David Alaba.
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Algeria fought back and equalised on the stroke of half-time through Belghali R. to send both sides into the break level at 1-1.
The Europeans regained the advantage in the 55th minute when Marcel Sabitzer finished off a move created by Konrad Laimer.
However, Algeria once again responded strongly as Riyad Mahrez found the back of the net in the 60th minute following an assist from Houssem Aouar to make it 2-2.
Arnautovic was later shown a yellow card in a tense closing period.
Austria looked to have secured victory deep into stoppage time when Sasa Kalajdzic scored in the 90+5 minute from Philipp Mwene’s assist.
Remarkably, Kalajdzic struck again a minute later, finishing off a pass from Michael Gregoritsch to complete his late brace and rescue a dramatic 3-3 draw for Austria.
Both Austria and Algeria pulled through with the draw.
Meanwhile, Argentina underlined their title ambitions with a convincing 3-1 win over Jordan.
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 31st minute.
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Jordan reduced the deficit in the 55th minute through Mousa Tamari, who Ehsan Haddad assisted.
Lionel Messi then sealed the victory in the 80th minute with Argentina’s third goal, ensuring the South Americans ended their group campaign on a high note.
Jordan’s Abu Taha M. and Al Arab Y. were both booked during the encounter as Argentina controlled much of the contest.
Argentina progress to the Round of 32 as Group J winners, while Austria also move on after finishing second.
(NAN)
