Argentina discovered its path for the 2026 World Cup on Friday, drawing into Group J alongside Austria, Algeria, and Jordan—a group that appears manageable on paper but sets up a potentially difficult Round of 32 showdown with either Spain or Uruguay.
If Argentina wins Group J, they will meet the runner-up of Group H, which includes Spain, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and Cape Verde. Spain and Uruguay are widely expected to battle for the top two spots. That scenario makes a Round of 32 matchup against either Spain or Uruguay a very real possibility—even if Argentina tops their group.
Finishing second in Group J would not make things easier. The Albiceleste would then face the winner of Group H, again likely Spain or Uruguay.
