Argentina completed a flawless group campaign with a 3-1 win over Jordan at Dallas Stadium on Saturday, June 27, 2026, finishing top of Group J with a perfect nine points at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Giovani Lo Celso and a Lautaro Martínez penalty put the reigning champions in control, and although Mousa Al-Tamari pulled one back for Jordan, a substitute Lionel Messi sealed the win with a trademark free-kick. The result ended Jordan’s first World Cup journey at the group stage.
Key Takeaways
- Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 to win Group J with a perfect nine points from three matches.
- Giovani Lo Celso and a Lautaro Martínez penalty gave Argentina a 2-0 half-time lead.
- Lionel Messi came off the bench and scored a late free-kick — his sixth goal of the tournament and a record-extending 19th at World Cups.
- Mousa Al-Tamari scored for Jordan, but the debutants finished bottom and were eliminated.
The Jordan vs Argentina World Cup 2026 matchup was a controlled performance from the champions, who rotated their side yet still had far too much quality. Jordan competed hard and had their moment through Al-Tamari, but Argentina’s dominance of possession and chances underlined the gulf between the two teams.
How did Argentina control the match against Jordan?
Argentina settled the contest early. In the 19th minute, Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with a well-struck free-kick, and just after the half-hour mark, Lautaro Martínez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot to make it 2-0. In command of the ball and the tempo, Argentina headed into the interval with a comfortable cushion.
Jordan refused to fold. Ten minutes into the second half, Mousa Al-Tamari — introduced from the bench — produced the highlight of his side’s tournament, finishing to make it 2-1 and briefly giving the underdogs hope. It was a moment to savour for the World Cup debutants in front of their travelling supporters.
Any thoughts of a comeback were extinguished by the game’s most famous face. Lionel Messi, kept in reserve by head coach Lionel Scaloni, came off the bench and restored the two-goal lead in the 80th minute with a low free-kick that beat the Jordanian wall and goalkeeper. It rounded off a 3-1 win and a perfect group stage for the champions.
What did Lionel Messi’s goal mean for the record books?
Messi’s free-kick was more than a game-sealing goal. It was his sixth strike in just three matches at the 2026 tournament and extended his all-time World Cup scoring record to 19 goals, further distancing himself at the top of the list. That he delivered it as a substitute, on a night Argentina managed his minutes, only reinforced his enduring influence.
For Argentina, the win made it three victories from three and confirmed top spot in Group J. The reigning world champions have carried their form into the tournament, and the ability to rest key players while still winning comfortably will encourage them heading into the knockout rounds.
What were the key statistics of the Jordan vs Argentina World Cup 2026 match?
The statistics paint a clear picture of Argentina’s control. They monopolised possession, created the better chances, and recorded an expected-goals figure far higher than Jordan’s, who made the most of their limited openings to score once.
| Statistic | Jordan | Argentina |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 27% | 73% |
| Shots on target | 1 | 4 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.76 | 2.13 |
| Fouls | 13 | 7 |
Who were the standout performers and starters for each side?
Lionel Messi was the game’s decisive figure despite starting on the bench, his free-kick settling matters and adding to his record. Giovani Lo Celso caught the eye with the opening goal and a lively display in midfield, while Lautaro Martínez converted the crucial penalty. For Jordan, Mousa Al-Tamari was the standout, his second-half strike a fitting reward for the team’s persistence.
Jordan set up in a 3-4-2-1, with goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila behind a back three of Abdallah Nasib, Yazan Al-Arab and Husam Abu Dahab. Nizar Al-Rashdan, Ehsan Haddad, Noor Al-Rawabdeh and Mohannad Abu Taha operated in midfield, with Ali Olwan and Ali Azaizeh supporting the attack. Talisman Mousa Al-Tamari began among the substitutes before coming on to score.
Argentina Starting XI
- GK: Emiliano Martínez
- Defenders: Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico, Exequiel Palacios
- Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Nico Paz, Giovani Lo Celso, Giuliano Simeone
- Forwards: Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez
What does this result mean for the Group J standings?
Argentina finished as Group J winners with a maximum of nine points. In the group’s other final-round fixture, Austria and Algeria drew 3-3, a result that took both of those teams through — Austria as runners-up on goal difference and Algeria as one of the best third-placed teams. Jordan, appearing at their first World Cup, finished bottom of the group without a point and were eliminated.
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | +7 | 9 |
| 2 | Austria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | Algeria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 4 |
| 4 | Jordan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 0 |
What are the upcoming fixtures after this match?
Argentina advances to the single-elimination Round of 32, where they will face Cape Verde. It is a favourable draw for the champions as they look to build momentum in their title defence. Jordan, meanwhile, returned home after a historic first World Cup appearance that, despite this defeat, marked a significant milestone for the nation’s football.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Jordan vs Argentina World Cup 2026 match?
Argentina won 3-1. Giovani Lo Celso, Lautaro Martínez (penalty) and Lionel Messi scored for Argentina, while Mousa Al-Tamari netted Jordan’s goal.
How many World Cup goals does Lionel Messi now have?
Messi’s free-kick against Jordan was his sixth goal of the 2026 tournament and extended his all-time World Cup record to 19 goals. He scored it after coming off the bench.
Did Jordan qualify for the knockout stage?
No. Jordan finished at the bottom of Group J without a point on their first-ever World Cup appearance and were eliminated at the group stage.
Who does Argentina play next?
As Group J winners, Argentina will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
