Defending champions Argentina will look to complete a flawless Group J campaign when they take on already-eliminated Jordan in Texas. While La Albiceleste have already secured their place in the knockout stages, Jordan will be hoping to bow out of their first-ever FIFA World Cup with a memorable performance against the tournament favourites.

Despite losing both of their opening matches, Jordan have earned plenty of respect during their World Cup debut. The Chivalrous Ones pushed Austria all the way in a 3-1 defeat after briefly drawing level, before taking the lead against Algeria only to fall 2-1. Ranked 72nd in the FIFA World Rankings, Jordan have shown resilience and attacking intent, but now face their toughest challenge yet.

A victory over Argentina would rank among the greatest upsets in World Cup history, making Jordan the lowest-ranked nation ever to defeat the defending champions at the tournament. However, history is not on their side, having lost four of their last five matches against South American opposition.

Argentina, meanwhile, have looked every bit the reigning world champions. Inspired by Lionel Messi, they opened their title defence with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria before following it up with a professional 2-0 win against Austria. Another victory without conceding would see Argentina begin a World Cup campaign with three wins and three clean sheets for only the second time in their history.

Lionel Scaloni’s side arrive in outstanding form, having won 15 of their last 17 matches while suffering just one defeat. They have also been dominant defensively, keeping clean sheets in eight of their previous nine outings. Their only defeat against an AFC nation remains the famous 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Jordan and Argentina.

Recent trends suggest goals could be on the cards. Six of Jordan’s last seven matches have seen both teams score, while five of those contests produced over 3.5 goals. Argentina have been far more controlled, with their last 11 matches seeing the half-time result remain unchanged at full-time, underlining their ability to manage games once ahead.

Jordan will look to midfielder Nizar Al-Rashdan for inspiration after he scored against Algeria. Interestingly, each of his last three international goals has opened the scoring. Argentina’s hopes, meanwhile, once again rest on Lionel Messi, who has scored all five of his nation’s goals at this tournament and could become the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.

Jordan have no reported injury concerns heading into the contest, while Argentina will assess defender Cristian Romero after he was forced off during the victory over Austria.

Prediction: Argentina have been in complete control throughout the group stage and should have far too much quality for an adventurous Jordan side. The reigning champions look well placed to finish the group with maximum points and another impressive attacking display.

Best Bet: Argentina to Win & Over 2.5 Goals.