World Cup Group J permutations: What do Austria, Algeria need to qualify?

Argentina have already secured their place in the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds and will look to seal top spot in Group J when they face Jordan in their final group-stage fixture.

The main focus in Group J is the race for second place, with Austria and Algeria level on three points heading into the final round of matches.

Argentina have won both of their matches so far, beating Algeria 3-0 before following it up with a 2-0 victory over Austria. Elsewhere, Algeria kept their knockout hopes alive by edging past Jordan 2-1 on matchday two.

Meanwhile, Jordan have been eliminated from the World Cup, but they will look to salvage pride with at least a point to their name.

What Argentina need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Argentina have already secured their place in the World Cup knockout rounds after recording consecutive victories in their opening two matches.

La Albiceleste are also in pole position to finish top of the group, with their superior goal difference giving them a healthy advantage over both Austria and Algeria heading into the final round of fixtures.

A draw against Jordan would guarantee first place, while even a defeat could still be enough to see Lionel Scaloni's side finish at the summit if Austria fail to make up the goal-difference gap.

What Austria need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Austria head into the final round of Group J fixtures level on three points with Algeria, but their superior goal difference currently keeps them in second place.

A victory over Algeria would guarantee Ralf Rangnick's side a place in the knockout rounds, while a draw would also leave them in a strong position to progress.

Defeat would leave Austria third in the group behind Algeria, meaning they would have to rely on qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.

What Algeria need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Algeria revived their qualification hopes with a crucial 2-1 victory over Jordan on matchday two, leaving them level on points with Austria heading into the final round of fixtures.

The momentum is on their side, and the Desert Warriors know that a win over Austria would guarantee a top-two finish and secure their place in the knockout rounds.

A draw would leave Algeria needing to rely on qualification as one of the best third-placed teams, while defeat would almost certainly end their hopes of progressing.

What Jordan need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Jordan have already been eliminated from the World Cup after successive defeats to Austria and Algeria in their first two Group J matches.

However, the Chivalrous Ones have earned plenty of admirers with their spirited performances on their tournament debut, and they will be eager to end their campaign on a high, salvaging their pride against Argentina.

A draw against the defending champions would rank among the finest results in the nation's football history and provide a memorable conclusion to their first World Cup appearance.