Argentina to rotate squad against Jordan in final Group J fixture

By Arjun Nair / 27.06.2026

By Arjun Nair — 27 June 2026 — 3 min read

Squad Rotation Expected for Argentina

Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, are set to face Jordan in their third and final Group J fixture. Having secured their place in the round of 32 as group winners with two victories, manager Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate his squad. This decision provides an opportunity to rest key players and offer playing time to other members of the roster.

The team has already won Group J, accumulating six points from two wins. Their campaign began with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, followed by a 2-0 win against Austria. These results mean that Argentina will progress to the knockout stages regardless of the outcome against Jordan, who have been eliminated after two defeats.

The match against Jordan will mark the first-ever encounter between the two nations. The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 10 p.m. ET at Dallas Stadium.

Key Players and Potential Lineup Changes

While Lionel Messi has been instrumental in Argentina‘s success, scoring his 17th and 18th World Cup goals against Austria to become the tournament’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer, he is not expected to start against Jordan. This aligns with the strategy of resting primary players ahead of the knockout rounds.

Despite the rotation, some established players might still feature. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could retain his starting position. In defence, Gonzalo Montiel, who was part of the winning moment in Qatar, might replace Nahuel Molina at right-back. Veteran centre-back Nicolás Otamendi is expected to make his first start of the tournament, potentially alongside Lisandro Martínez, who could play for an hour. Nicolás Tagliafico is also likely to start at left-back.

In the midfield, Rodrigo De Paul, who has maintained his form despite leaving Europe’s top-five leagues, is expected to play. Leandro Paredes is poised to offer respite to Alexis Mac Allister, while Enzo Fernández, a key leader in the squad, is also a likely starter. Thiago Almada, known for his clever play, could also feature in the midfield.

Upfront, Nico González, who offers an aerial threat, could start after appearing off the bench in the previous match. Julián Álvarez, who is building his fitness after an ankle injury, seems ready for his first start. His increased influence is anticipated to reduce the team’s reliance on Messi.

Messi’s Historic Achievements

Lionel Messi‘s recent performances have further cemented his legacy in international football. His brace against Austria not only made him the FIFA World Cup‘s all-time leading men’s goalscorer but also saw him reach other significant milestones. He now holds the record for most victories in the FIFA World Cup with 18 wins and has scored in his past six appearances in the tournament, tying the record for most consecutive World Cup games with a goal.

Throughout his historic international career, Messi has led Argentina to multiple titles, including the 2021 and 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América, the 2022 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also holds records for most caps (201) and most goals (122) for Argentina, and the international record for most World Cup match appearances (28).

Rodrigo De Paul, another key figure, is participating in his second World Cup, having played a crucial role in the 2022 World Cup victory. He was also instrumental alongside Messi in Argentina‘s 2021 and 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América and 2022 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions triumphs. De Paul has earned 89 caps for Argentina, scoring two goals in his international career.

The match against Jordan will be broadcast live in English on FOX and in Spanish on Telemundo and Peacock.

Source: si.com