Argentina completed a perfect 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan at Dallas Stadium, finishing top of Group J with three wins from three matches. Dallas is one of the key World Cup 2026 host cities, and this match gave the venue another major moment as the defending champions completed a perfect group stage. Goals from Giovani Lo Celso, Lautaro Martínez and Lionel Messi secured another confident result for the defending champions, while Jordan ended their debut World Cup campaign without a point despite scoring in all three matches.
With Argentina already in control of their qualification situation before kick-off, Lionel Scaloni made several changes to his starting line-up. Messi began the match on the bench, giving other players valuable minutes, but Argentina still dominated the early stages with calm possession and quick movement between the lines. Jordan tried to stay compact and press in short bursts, but they struggled to stop Argentina from finding spaces around the edge of the penalty area.
The breakthrough came in the 18th minute. Giovani Lo Celso stepped up to take a free kick from a dangerous central position and curled his effort past goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila to make it 1-0. It was an important personal moment for Lo Celso, who celebrated his first World Cup goal after missing previous tournament opportunities through injury.
Argentina doubled the lead in the 31st minute. After a penalty was awarded following a dangerous incident inside the box, Lautaro Martínez converted from the spot to make it 2-0. Martínez was lively throughout the match, hitting the woodwork and showing why he remains a serious option to start alongside Messi in the knockout rounds.
Jordan, to their credit, refused to collapse. In the 55th minute, they produced one of the best moves of the game. Ehsan Haddad created space on the right and delivered a sharp first-time cross, allowing Mousa Al-Taamari to finish on the stretch and reduce the deficit to 2-1. The goal gave Jordan a moment of pride and underlined their ability to compete in flashes against elite opposition.
Messi entered around the hour mark, and the mood inside the stadium changed immediately. In the 80th minute, he won a free kick in a central position and delivered another trademark finish, bending the ball around the wall to seal Argentina’s 3-1 win. The goal made him the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup appearances. That milestone gives Messi another unique place in FIFA World Cup history, adding to his legacy as one of the tournament’s defining players.
From a tactical perspective, Argentina were never at full intensity, but their control, squad depth and set-piece quality were clear. Jordan showed courage and organisation, yet costly errors again hurt them.
Argentina now advance to the Round of 32 as Group J winners and will face Cape Verde. Jordan exit the tournament after three defeats, but their debut campaign offered valuable experience and encouraging signs for the future. Fans in the UAE can follow Argentina’s knockout match against Cape Verde through our guide on where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
With Messi and Argentina still chasing another deep run, some UAE fans may already be looking at the most luxurious UAE trip to the FIFA World Cup final.