Every four years we are treated to the best tournament in soccer, and it’s always filled with star names who reach their fullest potential when the lights are the brightest. This year’s tournament will be no different, and it’s as much of a star-studded affair as we could hope for. Below I will break down Group J of the group stage that features Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan.
Group J Predictions
It makes sense that Argentina, the team with the fifth-lowest odds to win the tournament and reigning champions, are heavy favorites to win Group J. They are also the highest ranked team in the group in terms of the FIFA World Rankings, where they sit at #3 in the world. Austria are next at #24, followed by Algeria at #28 and Jordan at #63.
I’m going with the defending champions to win the group, followed by Austria to finish second. The Austrians had a great UEFA qualifying run, finishing top of their group and automatically qualifying for the tournament as a result. In eight games, they won six, drew one and lost one. They weren’t the only team from their group to make the tournament, as Bosnia and Herzegovina finished second and got through the qualifying play-off over Italy. Austria also has recent success in a major tournament, as they finished ahead of France in their group in the 2024 Euros. Unfortunately for them, they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Turkey. But winning their group shows they can compete well in the group stage, and I’m backing them to get out of their group ahead of Algeria and Jordan this summer.
Prediction: Argentina – 1st / Austria – 2nd (+130)
Dark Horse
I don’t think there is a dark horse in terms of making a deep run in this tournament out of this group. Argentina can’t be a dark horse as the reigning champions, and the other countries don’t have what it takes to make a run. I would put the ceiling at a quarter-finals appearance for both Austria and Algeria, but even that feels unlikely.
Top Goalscorer
There is only one man in my mind for this. Lionel Messi. This may be his last dance, but he still has some gas in the tank. Even at 38 years old, Messi led all goal scorers in CONMEBOL qualifying for the World Cup with eight. In the 2022 World Cup, he was the second highest scorer, only trailing Kylian Mbappe. Messi scored seven times in seven games four years ago. In terms of odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, he has the fourth-lowest odds to be the top scorer at +1600. He trails Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. If Messi and company can make another deep run, I don’t see why he can’t finish his likely last World Cup with the Golden Boot.
