17/06/2026 13:36 - Deportes
Jugadores de fútbol celebrando un gol en un estadio moderno con gradas llenas de hinchas, iluminación nocturna intensa sobre el campo de juego verde
Austria kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign on the right foot by defeating Jordan 3-1 at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. The European side made their ambitions clear in a group that also features Argentina, who opened their tournament with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria.
The match, corresponding to the first round of Group J, was officiated by Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida and showcased an Austrian side that controlled the tempo and capitalized on their opportunities.
| Minute | Player | Team | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21' | Romano Schmid | Austria | Assisted by Xaver Schlager |
| 50' | Ali Olwan | Jordan | Assisted by Noor Al Rawabdeh |
| 76' | Yazan Al Arab | Austria | Own Goal |
| 102' | Marko Arnautovic | Austria | Penalty |
The Austrian manager opted for an attacking setup with a creative midfield core. Romano Schmid was the standout performer, opening the scoring with a precise finish following an excellent assist from Xaver Schlager.
Veteran striker Marko Arnautovic, at 37 years old, sealed the victory with a penalty in extra time, proving he remains a crucial piece for his national team.
The Asian side attempted to respond with a defensive scheme designed for counterattacks. Ali Olwan managed to score the equalizer at the 50-minute mark after a pass from Noor Al Rawabdeh.
However, the own goal by Yazan Al Arab in the 76th minute complicated Jordan's aspirations, ultimately costing them the three points.
| Position | Team | Points | Goal Difference | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Argentina 🇦🇷 | 3 | +3 | 1 |
| 2nd | Austria 🇦🇹 | 3 | +2 | 1 |
| 3rd | Algeria 🇩🇿 | 0 | -3 | 1 |
| 4th | Jordan 🇯🇴 | 0 | -2 | 1 |
Argentina leads the group on goal difference following their 3-0 victory over Algeria with a hat-trick from Lionel Messi.
Matchday 2 - Sunday, June 22, 2026
Matchday 3 - Friday, June 27, 2026
With Austria's victory, Group J becomes increasingly exciting heading into the second matchday. Argentina and Austria will face each other on June 22 in Dallas in a match that could determine who tops the group. Argentina, coming off a dominant 3-0 win over Algeria featuring a hat-trick from Lionel Messi, will look to secure their spot in the Round of 16 with another victory.
Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions from 2022, are considered one of the favorites to win the 2026 tournament. Led by captain Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, the team enters as a dominant force. Austria, a solid European side, will provide a significant test for the South American champions in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
