The World Cup Gambling Podcast continues their tournament preview with World Cup Group J, a section that contains the reigning champs. Austria, Algeria and Jordan make up the group and all 3 will think they can qualify.
Location: Dallas, Kansas, San Francisco
- June 17 – Argentina v Algeria, Kansas City
- June 17 – Austria v Jordan, San Francisco
- June 23 – Argentina v Austria, Dallas
- June 24 – Jordan v Algeria, San Francisco
- June 28 – Algeria v Austria, Kansas City
- June 28 – Jordan v Argentina, Dallas
World Cup Group J brings together four teams on very different trajectories. Argentina, the reigning champions with depth, balance and the luxury of managing Messi’s minutes. Austria, returning to the World Cup after 28 years with Rangnick’s structure and intensity giving them a real shot at the last 16. Algeria, buoyed by a strong AFCON run and an excellent qualifying campaign, carrying enough attacking threat to trouble anyone. Finally, Jordan, the rank outsiders but a nation on a clear upward curve under Jamal Sellami, playing with freedom in their first-ever finals. It’s a group with a heavy favourite, two dangerous floaters and a fearless debutant. While Argentina should control it, the battle for second place looks wide open and full of potential twists. Keep up with results and standings here.
Argentina – 8/1, To Win Group -300 Q -5000 No 16/1
The reigning world champions return with the swagger of a side that knows exactly who they are. Argentina memorably beat France on penalties after a pulsating 3–3 draw in the Qatar 2022 final — a night that sealed their third World Cup crown and confirmed Lionel Messi’s legacy as one of the greatest ever. The 38‑year‑old captain collected his second Golden Ball. While age may now dictate his minutes, the depth of Lionel Scaloni’s squad means he can be used sparingly early on.
In midfield, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister form the heartbeat of a side that blends control and creativity. Up front, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez provide relentless movement and finishing quality. Álvarez’s recovery from injury will be closely watched, but his energy allows Scaloni to keep Messi wrapped in cotton wool until the knockout rounds. Behind them, Emiliano Martínez remains the pantomime villain of world football. Martinez’s theatrics divide opinion but his shot‑stopping beyond doubt.
Argentina’s balance is exceptional. The Albiceleste boast experience, youth, and tactical clarity all in harmony. Scaloni’s evolution from caretaker to champion has been one of football’s great modern stories, and his side now looks even deeper than in 2022. With Messi still capable of magic and a supporting cast at their peak, Argentina should cruise through Group J. Once again, they’ll be among the favourites to go all the way.
Austria 150/1, To Win Group 4/1, Q -700, No 4/1
Head coach Ralf Rangnick made light work of UEFA Group H qualifying as Austria powered their way to the finals. After a 28‑year wait, they return to the World Cup, a with genuine optimism and a clear goal — to progress from Group J and reach the knockouts for the first time since 1982. Their best performance came way back in 1954, when they finished third in Switzerland. This version of Austria feels more modern, structured, and tactically disciplined than any in recent memory.
Rangnick’s side built their qualification campaign on defensive solidity, conceding only four goals in ten matches. That’s a solid testament to his organisation and pressing principles. With David Alaba and Kevin Danso marshalling the back line, Austria have the physicality and athleticism to cope with elite opposition. In attack, they’ll lean heavily on veteran forward Marko Arnautović, now 37, whose experience and unpredictability remain central to their goal threat. The team’s 22 goals in qualifying look impressive on paper, though ten came against minnows San Marino — a reminder not to get carried away by raw numbers.
Two recent friendly wins, 1‑0 over South Korea and 5‑1 against Ghana, underline their momentum heading into the tournament. Expect Austria to be organised, aggressive, and well‑drilled. They are a side capable of unsettling more fancied opponents. If Arnautović finds form early, Austra could make a genuine push for the last 16 and become one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
Algeria 400/1, To Win Group +550, Q -270 No 2/1
Algeria arrive at World Cup 2026 with momentum and a sense of unfinished business. Their recent AFCON campaign was a reminder of their competitive edge. The Desert Foxes topped their group and edged DR Congo in extra time, and only bowed out in the quarter‑finals to a strong Nigeria side. That run restored belief after a turbulent few years, and they carried that confidence straight into World Cup qualifying. Eight wins, one draw and just a single defeat saw them finish top of the African standings. That’s a superb record that underlined both their consistency and their growing maturity under Swiss coach Vladimir Petković .
In attack, Algeria will lean heavily on the form of Mohamed Amoura. Ten goals in qualifying made him one of the continent’s standout forwards. His pace and movement give them a genuine cutting edge. Behind him, Rayan Aït‑Nouri brings real class at left‑back, offering both defensive assurance and attacking thrust. And while Riyad Mahrez may no longer be at his peak, his creativity from the right remains invaluable. The Premier League winner is still the player most likely to unlock a tight game with a moment of quality.
Algeria will quietly fancy their chances in this group. With winnable fixtures against Austria and Jordan. They have a realistic path to the last 32. But progressing beyond that may be a stretch. The North Africans squad is talented but not deep, and their reliance on a handful of key players could be exposed against elite opposition. Still, with confidence restored and goals in the side, Algeria are far from a soft touch. They could easily become one of the tournament’s trickier floaters.
Jordan 2500/1, To Win Group 40/1, Q +240 No -300
Jordan complete Group J and enter their maiden World Cup with optimism and momentum. Head coach Jamal Sellami has overseen a remarkable rise. The Moroccan masterminded a fine run at the FIFA Arab Cup, where his side reached the final before losing 3–2 to his home country after extra time. That campaign showcased Jordan’s tactical bravery and attacking intent. These are qualities that have carried through to their World Cup qualification. Al Nashama finished runners‑up in AFC Group B behind South Korea. That result underlined their growing credibility on the Asian stage.
In attack, Jordan will rely on their front three of Ali Olwan, Mousa Al‑Tamari, and Yazan Al‑Naimat — a trio capable of creating and converting chances against higher‑ranked opponents. Al‑Tamari, in particular, brings European experience and flair, while Olwan’s movement and Al‑Naimat’s finishing give Sellami multiple ways to threaten. Despite being 2500/1 rank outsiders, Jordan’s recent record suggests steady progress. They have finished runners‑up in both the Asian Cup (2023) and Arab Cup (2025), showing that they can compete with established nations when organisation and belief align.
Expectations will be modest, but that may work in their favour. With no pressure and a clear identity, Jordan are likely to play on the front foot in Sellami’s attacking 3‑4‑2‑1 system. They’ll be disciplined, spirited, and unafraid to take risks. I think Jordan will be a refreshing addition to the tournament and a team capable of earning respect even if results don’t go their way.
World Cup Group F Picks
I think Austria have just enough to edge out Algeria to take 2nd spot in this group, bet them to finish 2nd behind the favorites at +110.
Jordan are too short in a few markets. They’ll play with a freedom that will see them score goals. Over 1.5 tournament goals isn’t a huge price but I think it cashes.
Julián Álvarez is one to consider at 33-1 for Top Goalscorer as he has been in excellent domestic form with 21 goals and 10 assists for Atlético Madrid. Argentina expects him to be fully fit for the start of the tournament. If he has recovered from his ankle knock, then it would be well worth considering him as an each way punt. Monitor the team news closely, prior to Match 1 against Algeria, before making this selection.
Algeria striker Mohamed Amoura is nicely priced at 5-2 for Algerian Top Goalscorer and is worth a small saver after scoring 10 goals in qualification.
Argentina/Austria Forecast +110
Jordan +1.5 Tournament Goals -180
Julian Alvarez Golden Boot (Each Way) 33/1
Mohamed Amora Top Algerian Scorer +250
