The group stage of the 2026 World Cup concluded with matches in Group J. Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 with a goal from Lionel Messi. Algeria and Austria played a mutually beneficial draw (3-3) to advance to the knockout stage, eliminating Iran in the process. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Group J, Matchday 3, June 28, Dallas, AT&T Stadium

**JORDAN – ARGENTINA 1:3 (0:2)**. Goals: Lo Celso 19 (0:1), Martinez 31 pen (0:2), Al-Tamari 55 (1:2), Messi 80 (1:3).

World champions coach Lionel Scaloni left his namesake Messi on the bench, promising to bring him on in the second half. He kept his word. Although in the first half it seemed the Argentines could handle the meaningless match without Messi.

In the 19th minute, Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, making his debut at the 2026 World Cup, brilliantly executed a free kick. In the 31st minute, Inter forward Lautaro Martinez converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review.

In the 55th minute, Rennes striker Moussa Al-Tamari pulled one back – 2:1. Argentina conceded for the first time at the 2026 World Cup, and Scaloni brought on Messi. Replacing the scorer of the second goal, Messi scored the third. His sixth goal in the 2026 World Cup finals and 19th overall in World Cups. A superb free kick – 3:1.

Parallel match: AUSTRIA – ALGERIA 3:3 (1:1)

Goals: Arnautovic 28 (1:0), Belgali 45 (1:1), Sabitzer 55 (2:1), Mahrez 60 (2:2), Mahrez 90+3 (2:3), Kalajdzic 90+6 (3:3).

In the parallel match between Austria and Algeria, things did not go according to plan at first. Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic of Red Star Belgrade did not celebrate his goal against Algeria in the 28th minute, knowing that they would now need to help the Africans score an equalizer.

The reason was that a draw suited both teams. Austria occupied second place, while Algeria would advance from third place. The only loser in this scenario was Iran, who would lose their spot among the best third-placed teams to Algeria.

The score was level before halftime. Hellas Verona's Rafik Belgali, leaving almost the entire opposition defense stranded, beat Salzburg goalkeeper Alexander Schlager – 1:1.

After the break, the teams exchanged goals twice more. In the 55th minute, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer put Austria ahead. But soon after, Algeria's Riyad Mahrez equalized – 2:2.

In stoppage time, history repeated itself for the third time. After Mahrez's goal, which completed his brace, the Austrians responded with a goal from Sasha Kalajdzic – 3:3.

That Argentina would face Cape Verde in the first round of the knockout stage was known before the third round of Group J began. Austria eventually advanced to face Spain in the Round of 32, while Algeria will play Switzerland.

On Saturday night, the tournaments in two other groups concluded. England beat Panama in Matchday 3 of Group L. In the parallel match, Croatia defeated Ghana and moved into second place. The Africans advanced from third place and will face Colombia in the Round of 32. England will play DR Congo, and Croatia will face Portugal.

Uzbekistan lost to DR Congo in the final match of Group K. In the other game of this quartet, Colombia drew with Portugal, who were keen to avoid being in the same half of the draw as Argentina. The African team, after this victory, rose from last place in the third-placed teams ranking to first. They will play the founders of football. One can only imagine how beautifully the Uzbek fairy tale would have ended: a Round of 32 match between England and Uzbekistan. It was not to be...

The 23rd World Cup finals started on June 11. The global football forum is being held for the first time in three countries – the USA, Canada, and Mexico – and for the first time features 48 teams.

After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will continue the competition.

USA – BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA (San Francisco)

The 2026 World Cup will conclude on July 19 with the final match in New York.