Argentina have advanced to the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup after finishing top of Group J with a perfect record of three wins from three and nine points from a possible nine.
Argentina made an immediate statement in their opening fixture with a dominant 3-0 win over Algeria, where Lionel Messi stole the headlines with a hat-trick performance that set the tone for their group stage campaign. They followed that up with another controlled display against Austria, winning 2-0 thanks to a Messi brace as Argentina once again underlined their attacking quality and defensive organisation.
Already qualified heading into their final group match, Argentina still finished in style with a 3-1 victory over Jordan. After conceding their first goal of the tournament, they responded with authority, and Messi once again proved decisive from the bench, coming on to score in the 80th minute and seal all three points.
It has been a near-perfect group stage for the reigning contenders, who not only topped Group J but did so while conceding just once across their three matches. With momentum firmly on their side, Argentina now move into the knockout rounds where they will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
Argentina odds to win the World Cup
Following their qualification and confirmation of their Round of 32 opponent, Argentina have catapulted into the tournament favourites at 9/2.
It’s no surprise they hold such favouritism, containing one of the most influential players at the tournament in Lionel Messi, along with their comfortable progression to the knockout stages where a favourable opponent has also emerged.
Argentina World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds
You won’t be surprised to hear that Lionel Messi is considered to be Argentina’s most likely candidate to lift the Golden Boot at this summer’s World Cup and indeed he’s now 2/1 to lift that individual gong after five goals in his first two games.
He has played one more game than the likes of Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane at this stage – all of whom are on two goals after their own opening matches.
You can find full World Cup Top Goalscorer odds here
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