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

Argentina and Austria can take a major step towards the 2026 World Cup knockout stages when they meet on Monday in Group J clash.

The other two teams of this group, Algeria and Jordan, face off in a crucial game after losing their opening matches.

Defending champions Argentina opened their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria, while Austria defeated Jordan 3-1 in a pulsating match to collect three points of their own.

Meanwhile, Algeria and Jordan are both searching for their first points of the tournament and their chances of qualifying to the knockout rounds will become almost very difficult if they fail to win.

What Argentina need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Argentina sit top of Group J on goal difference after Lionel Messi's hat-trick inspired a 3-0 victory over Algeria on matchday one.

La Albiceleste will guarantee their place in the round of 32 if they defeat Austria, and will secure the first place in the group if Jordan fail to beat Algeria in the later fixture.

A draw between the two sides will mean Argentina would move onto four points, but they would still remain in a strong position heading into their final group match against Jordan.

A defeat would complicate the situation for Lionel Scaloni's side. In that case, they will need a result on the final matchday, but qualification would still remain firmly in their own hands.

What Austria need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Ralf Rangnick's side boosted their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages with a 3-1 win over Jordan on matchday one.

Like Argentina, Austria can book their place in the round of 32 with a victory on matchday two, and end the day top of the group if Algeria fail to defeat Jordan.

A draw will not be a bad result for them, and in that case they will need only a positive result against Algeria in their final fixture to be certain of progressing.

Even if they lose to Argentina, Austria would still have a strong chance of qualification if they beat Algeria in their final game.

What Algeria need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Algeria are bottom of Group J after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Argentina in their opening fixture.

In a must-win game against Jordan, a victory would move Algeria onto three points and keep qualification hopes firmly alive ahead of a final-day meeting with Austria.

A draw here will leave Algeria with just one point from two matches and needing to beat Austria in their final fixture, while also relying on other results to go their way.

Defeat would leave Algeria in serious danger of elimination before the final round and almost certainly end any hopes of finishing in the top two.

What Jordan need to qualify for the World Cup knockout stages

Jordan produced an encouraging performance in their World Cup debut match against Austria despite losing 3-1.

Like Algeria, Jordan know that a victory on matchday two would completely revive their qualification hopes and take them into the final round with everything still to play for.

A draw would leave them facing an extremely difficult task, while a defeat means they could be left requiring a major upset against Argentina simply to stay in contention for a third-placed qualification berth.