ARGENTINA ★★★

Argentina is the reigning World Cup champion and a three-time winner (1978, 1986, 2022). At the 2026 World Cup, the team plays in Group J alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan — the easiest draw of any favorite. Coach Lionel Scaloni leads the side; the central figure is Lionel Messi, almost certainly playing his last tournament at 39.

At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, Diego Maradona scored twice within five minutes against England in the quarterfinal. The first was the "Hand of God"; the referee missed the handball. The second was a run from the halfway line past six players — voted the greatest goal in World Cup history. Four years later in Rome, Argentina lost the final 0:1 to West Germany, then waited 36 years for a second cup. In 2022 in Qatar, Messi retraced Maradona's path — a goal, an assist, and a penalty-shootout win over France after a 3:3 draw.

Qualifying was a procession: first place in South America with 38 points. Argentina is the only reigning champion entering the tournament without visible form problems. Group J holds no real rivals; matches are scheduled in Houston, Arlington, and Seattle. A meeting with Brazil is only possible in the final — the two are placed on opposite sides of the bracket.

---