Argentina ease past Jordan 3-1 to finish group stage with all-win record

Argentina capped off their FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage campaign with a flawless record, securing a 3-1 win against Jordan to clinch the top spot in Group J. Having already guaranteed their progression to the Round of 32, head coach Lionel Scaloni implemented significant squad rotation, making nine changes to the starting lineup, notably leaving captain Lionel Messi on the bench.

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Having already secured qualification to the Round of 32 before kickoff, head coach Lionel Scaloni opted to rotate his squad heavily, making nine changes to the starting lineup.

Despite the altered lineup, Argentina asserted dominance early on. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a precise free-kick. The lead was doubled just after the half-hour mark when Lautaro Martinez calmly converted a penalty, awarded after Ihsan Haddad fouled Marcos Senesi, giving La Albiceleste a comfortable 2-0 advantage at halftime.

Jordan displayed increased determination in the second half and managed to pull a goal back in the 55th minute. Haddad, making amends for the earlier penalty, delivered a low cross that Musa Al-Tamaari converted, briefly igniting hopes of a comeback for the Jordanian side.

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The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute when Giovani Lo Celso curled a superb free-kick into the net from around 20 yards, giving Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila no chance.

Scaloni introduced Messi onto the field in the 60th minute, drawing a warm reception from the crowd. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner sealed the victory with a trademark low free-kick in the 80th minute, his sixth goal of the tournament. This strike not only secured the 3-1 win but also extended Messi's record as Argentina's all-time leading scorer in World Cups with his 19th tournament goal.

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Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty after Ihsan Haddad fouled Marcos Senesi.

Argentina, finishing the group stage with three wins from three matches, now prepares to face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Jordan, meanwhile, concluded their maiden World Cup appearance after three defeats, though scoring in each match provided a measure of encouragement for their future.

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Jordan showed greater intent after the restart and found a way back into the contest in the 55th minute.