



Argentina arrive at the World Cup 2026 as defending champions and the team carrying the most compelling narrative in international football, Lionel Messi’s last dance. The 2022 triumph in Qatar was the crowning moment of one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen, and Messi’s potential inclusion in the squad for one final tournament adds a storyline that no other team can match. Argentina are priced at around 6/1 in the outright market, reflecting both the quality of Scaloni’s squad and the uncertainty around their talisman’s involvement.
Group J pairs the holders with Algeria, Austria and Jordan, a draw that looks custom-built to give the defending champions a comfortable path through the group stage. Scaloni should be able to manage minutes, protect Messi’s workload and arrive in the knockout rounds with every key player fresh. No team has retained the World Cup since Brazil in 1962, but if any squad is capable of breaking that drought, it is this one.
This is the home of TipMan’s Argentina World Cup 2026 betting tips. Match previews, group-stage picks, top scorer angles and outright value plays, updated daily through the tournament.


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Portugal vs Nigeria - International Friendlies
Portugal Win & BTTS - Yes
Reason for Tip
Portugal come in-to the match in good form, unbeaten in their previous four matches with two of those games resulting in both teams scoring. Meanwhile Nigeria come in-to the match in good goal scoring form, managing to score in all five of their previous five matches with three of those games resulting in both teams scoring.
England vs Costa Rica - International Friendlies
England Win
Reason for Tip
England come in-to the match as heavy favourites for obvious reasons. Within Englands previous nine matches, they have only conceded in two fixtures.
England vs Costa Rica - International Friendlies
BTTS - No
Reason for Tip
England come in-to the match as heavy favourites for obvious reasons. Within Englands previous nine matches, they have only conceded in two fixtures.
Pakistan vs Afghanistan - International Friendlies
BTTS - Yes
Reason for Tip
Pakistan have been involved in four matches resulting in over 1.5 match goals within their previous six fixtures. Within the previous five head-to-head matches, four of those games have resulted in over 1.5 match goals.
Portugal vs Nigeria - International Friendlies
Portugal Win & BTTS - Yes
Reason for Tip
Portugal come in-to the match in good form, unbeaten in their previous four matches with two of those games resulting in both teams scoring. Meanwhile Nigeria come in-to the match in good goal scoring form, managing to score in all five of their previous five matches with three of those games resulting in both teams scoring.
Netherlands vs Japan - WC 2026
BTTS - Yes
Reason for Tip
Japan led all 2026 qualifiers in goals scored (51), and Netherlands historically play proactive football, so this screams up‑and‑down with both scoring.
France vs Senegal - WC 2026
BTTS - Yes
Reason for Tip
France have scored 30 goals across the last two World Cups, and Senegal bring enough pace and physicality to make this a genuine both‑teams‑threaten contest.
England vs Croatia - WC 2026
BTTS - Yes
Reason for Tip
England arrive with a stacked attacking core and Croatia traditionally control big‑game midfields, so both teams have clear routes to a goal in what looks like a high‑level chess match.
Ghana vs Panama - WC 2026
BTTS - Yes
Reason for Tip
Ghana scored freely in a number of CAF qualifiers and Panama conceded more goals than any other side at their previous World Cup, so this is a strong candidate for a loose game.
Qatar vs Switzerland - WC 2026
Over 2.5 Goals
Reason for Tip
Switzerland have consistently produced strong attacking numbers against lower-ranked opposition, averaging over two goals per game across their last two qualifying and tournament cycles, while Qatar’s matches have regularly trended toward goals when facing higher-quality opponents. Qatar tend to adopt an expansive approach when playing as underdogs, often creating chances themselves but leaving space defensively. Switzerland possess the technical quality and attacking depth to score multiple goals, while Qatar’s pace on the counter gives them a realistic chance of contributing. In World Cup group-stage football, favourites often push for goal difference, making the over 2.5 goals line particularly appealing.
Netherlands vs Japan - WC 2026
Over 2.5 Goals
Reason for Tip
The Netherlands remain one of the most attack-minded sides in international football, with their system built around aggressive wing play, high pressing, and sustained possession in the final third. Japan have evolved significantly in recent years and now possess one of Asia’s most dynamic attacking squads, regularly troubling elite opposition through quick transitions and technical midfield play. The Dutch have seen goals in both directions against stronger opponents, while Japan rarely sit deep for prolonged periods. This combination creates the ideal conditions for an open World Cup encounter with multiple scoring opportunities.
Spain vs Cabo Verde - WC 2026
Over 2.5 Goals
Reason for Tip
Spain’s possession-based approach consistently generates a high volume of chances, and against opposition ranked significantly below them, they often dominate territory and create repeated scoring opportunities. Cabo Verde have developed into a competitive African nation and possess enough athleticism and attacking quality to create moments themselves, particularly if Spain commit numbers forward. Spain’s recent tournament matches against lower-ranked nations have frequently cleared this line on their own, and if Cabo Verde can contribute even a single goal, the over becomes even more attractive.
France vs Senegal - WC 2026
Over 2.5 Goals
Reason for Tip
France possess one of the deepest attacking squads in world football and continue to average among the highest expected-goals figures at major tournaments. Senegal remain one of Africa’s strongest teams and have enough pace, physicality, and attacking quality to trouble even elite defences. Recent meetings involving France at major competitions have often produced open games because of their willingness to attack aggressively, while Senegal’s transition threat means they are unlikely to simply defend for 90 minutes. With world-class attackers on both sides, this fixture has all the ingredients for goals.
Qatar vs Switzerland - WC 2026
Switzerland Win
Reason for Tip
Switzerland enter this World Cup group-stage fixture with a significantly stronger squad on paper and a proven record of performing consistently at major tournaments. The Swiss have progressed from the group stage at four of the last five major international tournaments and continue to combine defensive organisation with attacking efficiency. Players such as Manuel Akanji and Dan Ndoye provide quality at both ends of the pitch, while Switzerland’s tactical discipline remains one of their biggest strengths.
Qatar have improved since hosting the 2022 World Cup and remain dangerous in transition, but they have generally struggled against higher-ranked European opposition. Switzerland’s superior tournament experience and defensive structure should allow them to control the majority of proceedings.
Brazil vs Morocco - WC 2026
Brazil Win
Reason for Tip
Brazil remain one of the favourites to win the 2026 World Cup and possess arguably the deepest attacking squad in the competition. Brazil have lost very few competitive matches over the past two years and continue to generate elite attacking numbers, averaging well over two goals per game across recent international fixtures.
Morocco deserve enormous respect after their historic 2022 World Cup run and have continued to establish themselves among the strongest African nations. However, Brazil’s technical quality, depth, and ability to dominate possession against elite opposition gives them the edge. Morocco are capable of making this competitive, but Brazil’s attacking talent should prove decisive.
Australia vs Türkiye - WC 2026
Türkiye Win
Reason for Tip
Türkiye arrive at the tournament with one of the most exciting emerging squads in international football. The Turkish side combines technical midfield quality with pace and creativity in attacking areas, and their recent performances against strong European opposition have demonstrated significant progression.
Australia remain highly competitive and are traditionally difficult to break down at major tournaments, but they often concede possession against technically superior sides. Türkiye’s ability to control midfield and create chances through sustained possession gives them a slight advantage in what should be a closely contested match.
Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay - WC 2026
Uruguay Win
Reason for Tip
Uruguay continue to possess one of the strongest squads in South America and enter this fixture with genuine ambitions of making a deep World Cup run. Their blend of experienced internationals and younger attacking talent has made them one of the most balanced teams in the tournament.
Saudi Arabia have shown they can compete on the biggest stage, most famously defeating Argentina at the 2022 World Cup, but Uruguay’s intensity, defensive solidity, and attacking quality should give them a clear advantage over 90 minutes. Uruguay’s record against non-elite opposition at major tournaments is also particularly strong.
Iraq vs Norway - WC 2026
Norway Win
Reason for Tip
Norway arrive at the World Cup with arguably their strongest generation in decades. The presence of elite players such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard has transformed Norway into a far more dangerous attacking side, while their qualification campaign demonstrated significant improvement defensively.
Iraq have shown resilience throughout qualification and deserve credit for reaching the tournament, but Norway’s attacking quality and ability to create high-value chances should prove difficult to contain. If Norway perform to their expected level, they should generate enough opportunities to secure all three points.


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Argentina were placed in Group J at the December 2025 draw alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Scaloni’s side begin their title defence with a late-night UK kick-off against Algeria in Kansas City before a more comfortable afternoon fixture against Austria.
- Tue 17 Jun – Argentina v Algeria – 2am (UK time)
- Mon 22 Jun – Argentina v Austria – 6pm (UK time)
- Sat 28 Jun – Jordan v Argentina – 3am (UK time)
The Algeria opener carries echoes of the 1982 group-stage shock, a storyline that Scaloni will be desperate to avoid repeating. Austria represent the most organised opposition in the group, and the Jordan fixture on matchday three is unlikely to trouble Argentina if they have already qualified.
Topping Group J at around 2/7 is the near-certainty the market suggests. Doing so keeps Argentina on a favourable knockout path, potentially avoiding France and Spain until the semi-finals. The expanded 48-team format means the bracket is deeper but also more forgiving, Argentina’s quality should see them through comfortably.
Scaloni has achieved something remarkabl, in an era of constant managerial upheaval, he has been in charge since 2018 and built a squad identity rooted in collective effort, defensive solidity and clinical counter-attacking. The Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024 bookended the World Cup triumph, creating a golden era of Argentine football.
The core of Scaloni’s squad remains intact from 2022, Emiliano Martínez in goal, the Romero-Otamendi defensive partnership, and a midfield anchored by Rodrigo de Paul and Enzo Fernández. The front line has evolved, with Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez carrying a larger share of the goalscoring burden. The Messi question looms over everything: if he plays, Argentina gain an irreplaceable creative force; if he does not, the system is robust enough to compete without him.
Lionel Messi
If Messi is confirmed in the squad, and his participation remains the biggest storyline of the pre-tournament period, he becomes one of the most fascinating betting propositions at the tournament. At 38, his minutes will be carefully managed, but his ability to produce decisive moments in knockout football is unmatched. Messi for the Golden Ball at long odds represents a romantic each-way punt if he features in the later stages.
Lautaro Martínez
Inter Milan’s striker is Argentina’s primary goalscoring threat and the player most likely to lead the line in the group stage. Lautaro’s movement, finishing and big-game temperament make him a strong pick in the anytime scorer markets, particularly against Algeria and Jordan. He is priced at around 30/1 for the Golden Boot, a price that looks generous given the volume of chances Argentina are likely to create.
Julián Álvarez
Álvarez’s energy, pressing and eye for goal from deeper positions make him one of the most underrated attackers at the tournament. Whether playing alongside or instead of Lautaro, Álvarez consistently delivers in knockout football, he scored four goals at the 2022 World Cup and carries the work rate that Scaloni demands. The knockout-round goalscorer market is where his value lies.
Every World Cup 2026 match will be shown live on free UK television, with the BBC and ITV sharing broadcast rights. Argentina’s group-stage schedule is a mix of late-night and afternoon slots for UK viewers.
The Algeria opener kicks off at 2am UK time on Tuesday 17 June, a late-night watch. The Austria fixture is the most accessible at 6pm on Monday 22 June, a comfortable early-evening slot. The Jordan match on matchday three is another early-hours fixture at 3am on Saturday 28 June.
iPlayer and ITVX will stream every match. Knockout matches will be scheduled later if Argentina progress.


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What group are Argentina in at the World Cup 2026?
Argentina are in Group J at the World Cup 2026, alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan. As defending champions, Argentina are heavy favourites to top the group.
When do Argentina play at the World Cup 2026?
Argentina play three group-stage matches: Algeria on Tuesday 17 June (2am BST), Austria on Monday 22 June (6pm BST), and Jordan on Saturday 28 June (3am BST). Knockout fixtures depend on group-stage outcomes.
What are Argentina’s odds to win the World Cup 2026?
Argentina are priced at around 6/1 to retain the title, making them one of the top five favourites. The price fluctuates based on Messi’s involvement, odds shorten by around 15% whenever credible reports suggest he will be included in the squad.
Where can I watch Argentina’s World Cup 2026 matches in the UK?
Every match will be shown live on the BBC or ITV, with iPlayer and ITVX providing streaming. The Austria fixture (6pm BST) is the most accessible for UK viewers; the Algeria and Jordan matches kick off in the early hours.
Will Messi play at the World Cup 2026?
Messi has not announced international retirement, and Scaloni has publicly stated the door remains open. His inclusion in the final squad is expected to be confirmed in early June 2026. If he plays, his minutes are likely to be managed carefully across the group stage.
Can Argentina retain the World Cup?
No team has retained the World Cup since Brazil in 1962. Argentina have the squad depth and tournament experience to break that record, but the historical precedent works against them. A manageable group draw and Scaloni’s continuity give them a genuine shot.
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