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Argentina — the defending world champion — landed in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. By opponent quality this is one of the most favourable draws a top team could receive. The real tournament for Scaloni’s side begins in the knockout rounds.
Group composition
| Team | Coach | WC odds | Key players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Lionel Scaloni | ~9.50 | Messi, Lautaro, Álvarez, Mac Allister |
| Algeria | — | outsider | — |
| Austria | — | outsider | — |
| Jordan | — | outsider | — |
Betting breakdown
Argentina to qualify from the group: ~1.02. No betting value. Argentina first in group: ~1.10. Same. The more interesting angle is Argentina’s total goals markets against Jordan and Algeria — Scaloni historically does not over-rotate against weak sides and the score often stays in a manageable range, creating value on unders in individual matches.
Group exit forecast
1st: Argentina | 2nd: Austria | Exit: Algeria, Jordan.
