Argentina and Algeria Advance After Wins and Draws in 2026 World Cup Group Stage

The group stage of the 2026 World Cup concluded early Sunday with Argentina and Algeria securing advancement to the knockout rounds. Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in a match that saw Lionel Scaloni field many substitutes, focusing on player development for the tournament's next phase. Giovanni Lo Celso opened the scoring with a stunning free kick in the 19th minute, marking Argentina's first free kick goal in a World Cup since 2014. Lautaro Martínez added a penalty goal in the 30th minute, his first World Cup goal after missing out in 2022. Messi, coming off the bench in the 61st minute, scored a remarkable free kick in the 81st minute, his 19th World Cup goal and sixth in this tournament. Jordan’s Musa Tamari scored a consolation goal in the 55th minute. Argentina will face Cape Verde in the next round, while Jordan was eliminated.

In another decisive group match, Algeria and Austria played to a 2-2 draw, a result that allowed both teams to advance. Austria took the lead through Marco Arnautović in the 28th minute, assisted by David Alaba. Algeria’s Raphik Belghali equalized just before halftime, and Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead in the 55th minute. However, Algerian star Riyad Mahrez scored his first World Cup goal in the 60th minute to secure the draw and progression for Algeria. Algeria will meet Switzerland in the knockout stage, while Austria is set to face Spain. The matches were marked by high-quality play and sportsmanship, with both teams showing strong individual performances.