BEIJING, June 7: Defending champions Argentina will begin their FIFA World Cup title defence in Group J, where they are joined by Algeria, Austria and tournament debutants Jordan. Lionel Scaloni’s side will be aiming to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully retain the World Cup.
Argentina
World and continental champions Argentina enter the tournament as one of the favourites after dominating South American qualifying. Scaloni has retained much of the squad that lifted the trophy in Qatar, with Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Enzo Fernandez, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez forming a strong core.
All eyes, however, will be on Lionel Messi. The 38-year-old captain is set to play in a record sixth World Cup and will look to add to his tally of 13 World Cup goals. Midfielder Nico Paz is another player to watch after an impressive season in Italy with Como.
Algeria
Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 after an impressive qualifying campaign under coach Vladimir Petkovic.
The North Africans possess plenty of attacking talent, led by captain Riyad Mahrez and forward Mohamed Amoura, who scored 10 goals during qualification.
Veteran winger Mahrez remains the team’s creative leader, while young playmaker Ibrahim Maza is regarded as one of Algeria’s brightest prospects heading into the tournament.
Austria
Austria are back on football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1998 after topping their qualifying group. Under coach Ralf Rangnick, the team has developed a high-intensity pressing style and will be confident of progressing to the knockout rounds.
Captain David Alaba remains Austria’s biggest star and has recovered from injury in time for the tournament.
Midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, who recently switched international allegiance from England, is expected to add dynamism and creativity to the side.
Jordan
Jordan will make their historic World Cup debut after finally breaking through in qualification. The West Asian nation earned widespread praise for reaching the AFC Asian Cup final in 2024 and now hopes to continue its rise on the global stage.
Winger Mousa Al-Tamari is Jordan’s chief attacking threat after an impressive season in France, while defensive midfielder Nizar Al Rashdan will be tasked with providing stability in midfield.
While Argentina are overwhelming favourites to top the group, Austria and Algeria are expected to battle for the second automatic qualification spot. Jordan, meanwhile, will look to create history by claiming their first World Cup points and potentially springing a surprise.
With reigning champions Argentina spearheaded by Messi and backed by a wealth of experience, Group J appears theirs to lose.
However, Algeria’s attacking flair, Austria’s disciplined pressing game and Jordan’s underdog spirit ensure there will be no shortage of intrigue.(Agencies)
