Argentina will rest its starting lineup, including captain Lionel Messi, in the final World Cup Group J match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Dallas Stadium.
The decision aims to maximize rest for the Round of 16.
La Albiceleste has already secured qualification and the top spot in Group J with six points, following a 3-0 victory over Algeria and a 2-0 win over Austria.
Jordan has been eliminated after losing both opening matches.
Scaloni Confirms Rotation
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni decided to implement heavy squad rotations, keeping the tournament's all-time top scorer on the bench after Messi recently celebrated his 39th birthday.
"Leo is going to be on the bench," Scaloni said.
The manager indicated that the star player might still feature for a few minutes, while new faces like Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico, and Julián Álvarez are expected to start.
"The hope is that the team plays the same way. That's what we're going to try," Scaloni added.
Argentina seeks its first perfect group stage record since 2014. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is expected to be the lone regular starter retaining his place in the lineup.
"Jordan is a good opponent and we are not confident at all.
We will try some nuance from the last game, but with the same intention of grabbing the ball and subduing the opponent," Scaloni said.
Jordan's Historic Opportunity
For Jordan, the final group match represents a historic opportunity to build momentum for the future of Jordanian football despite their early exit.
"I hope that tomorrow we will be prepared for this historic match against Argentina," said Jordan manager Jamal Sellami.
Jordan earned international praise for leaving their locker room spotless and presenting traditional sweets to tournament organizers after their match against Algeria, according to sports.
yahoo. com.
"We are going to play against one of the best teams in the world and favorite to take the cup and with a great soccer player.
We are going to look to learn and enjoy," Sellami said.
The Jordanian manager added that his squad remains fully focused on delivering a memorable performance regardless of which players Argentina fields.
"Whoever plays, it is a formidable team, very solid... We are going to concentrate on our own game.
We want this match to be a great memory for Jordan," Sellami said.
