Argentina enters the journey to defend the throne as the leading candidate for the top spot in Group J. The defending champion not only possesses the framework that once won the championship in Qatar, but also maintains stability throughout the past 4 years.
If they continue to win the championship in North America, Argentina will become the first team to successfully defend the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.
Under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, the South American team still maintains its strong foundation with experienced names such as Emiliano Martinez, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Lautaro Martinez or Julian Alvarez.
Although Lionel Messi has turned 38, Argentina is no longer absolutely dependent on this superstar as before. In many recent matches, they have maintained positive performance even when Messi is absent.
However, the journey to win the top spot in Group J is not easy. The Austrian team is an opponent capable of directly competing with Argentina. Since coach Ralf Rangnick took over, the Central European team has built a clear identity with a high-intensity pressing style and the ability to put pressure on the opponent continuously.
The Austrian national team currently has many experienced players such as David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer, Konrad Laimer, Christoph Baumgartner or Marko Arnautovic.
Although not having many stars in the world's top group, Austria is still considered a well-organized team and capable of creating difficulties for any opponent. Their goal is to compete for a ticket to the knockout round.
Another name that could create a surprise in the group is Algeria. The North African representative returned to the World Cup after 12 years of absence with a different appearance than before. Under coach Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria aims for a balance between defense and counter-attack instead of being too dependent on personal inspiration.
The most prominent star is still Riyad Mahrez, alongside fast and technical factors in the front line. Algeria is not highly rated for its squad depth, but experience and ability to organize matches help them compete for second place in the group.
Meanwhile, Jordan is the team rated lowest in Group J. For the first time in history participating in the World Cup, the West Asian representative entered the tournament with the goal of accumulating experience and making a mark.
Jordan builds a playing style based on a crowded defense and quick counter-attack situations, in which Moussa Al-Tamari is the biggest hope in the attack.
Looking at the balance of power, Argentina is still a bright candidate for the top spot in the group. The most notable competition is likely to take place between Austria and Algeria for the remaining spot in the next round. Jordan, although considered weaker, can still affect the overall situation if they create surprises in the decisive matches.
