Jordan faces Argentina this Wednesday, at 8 pm (Brasília time), at the AT&T Stadium, in Dallas, in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game, with no impact on the classification, serves as a stage for striker Ali Olwan to seek to equal the national team's goal record. Argentina, already qualified, must rest Lionel Messi and other starters to save energy for the round of 16.
Jordan arrives at the duel with 0 points from two matches, mathematically eliminated after defeats to Croatia and Senegal. Coach Jamal Sellami does not hide his intention to save players for the future, but the internal pressure for Olwan to break the record - currently at 12 goals - should force the selection of number 9. The 24-year-old striker has three goals this season for Al-Wehdat, a Jordanian club, and needs one to equal the record of Hassan Mahmoud, the team's top scorer in the history of the team.
Argentina, on the other hand, has already secured first place in the group with two wins and a draw. Lionel Scaloni should spare Messi, who has three goals and two assists in the tournament, as well as names like Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez and Lisandro Martínez. The Argentine lineup should prioritize less worn-out players, such as Valentín Barco, Thiago Almada and Paulo Dybala, to save energy before the knockout phase.
The Argentine team has scored 12 goals and conceded none so far. The atmosphere in Dallas promises to be a farewell for the Argentines, who must test new combinations. For Jordan, the focus is single: giving striker Olwan the chance to make history.
The game will not be worth points, but it could result in one of the team's few victories in the tournament and, who knows, an unforgettable moment for Olwan. The match also serves as a tactical test for both teams. Argentina, even with the reserve team, maintains an offensive structure based on quick transitions and high pressing, inherited from Scaloni's style.
Jordan, in turn, should rely on aerial plays and counterattacks to exploit any gaps in the Argentine defense, which has already shown vulnerability in set pieces. Historically, South American teams tend to dominate World Cups, but Jordan arrives with an extra motivation: to prove that they can compete at a high level, even in a game without qualification at stake. The Jordanian debut is already a milestone, and a goal from Olwan could turn the defeat into two draws into a narrative of overcoming.
For Argentina, the challenge is to maintain cohesion even with an alternative team, avoiding surprises that could shake confidence before the round of 16. Argentine right-back Emiliano Buendía, who has already played in friendlies for the national team, stated that the team seeks to "maintain the rhythm without wearing out the main players". Jordanian midfielder Ahmed Samir highlighted the importance of the game for Olwan: "It's a unique opportunity for him and the team.
" The match also represents a moment of transition for Argentina. With an alternative team, coach Lionel Scaloni can experiment with young promises such as midfielder Valentín Barco, 21, and striker Claudio Echeverri, 19, both with the potential to become key players in the future. For Jordan, the game is an international showcase for its players, especially Olwan, whose performance could attract attention from European or South American clubs.
From a technical point of view, Argentina maintains an average possession of more than 60% of the ball in the tournament's matches, even with reserve teams. Jordan, in turn, has a more direct style, with 55% of their goals scored in aerial plays, according to FIFA data. This difference in approach could create an interesting duel: while the Argentines seek to control the game, the Jordanians will try to exploit the spaces left by the opposing defense in quick transitions.
What is at stake is not just a result, but the credibility of both projects. For Argentina, showing that it can maintain competitiveness even with a B team reinforces the idea of a deep and well-structured squad. For Jordan, a good performance — or even a victory — could be the first step towards consolidating its name in world football and attracting more investment for the development of the sport in the country. Read at Trivela
Why this matters
This game is a laboratory for Argentina to test their squad depth ahead of the round of 16, while Jordan have the chance to cap off a historic World Cup debut with an individual feat. For Olwan, it is the opportunity to make Jordanian football history; for Argentina, it is the chance to spare their main players without losing their competitive timing. The duel also serves as a thermometer for the teams' physical form before the decisive phase of the tournament. Furthermore, the match could reveal tactical adjustments that will be crucial in the next phases, especially for Argentina, which seeks to maintain its unbeaten record in the tournament. The clash also exposes the difference in ambition between an established powerhouse and a team on the rise, with Jordan using the game as a showcase for their talents and Argentina as an opportunity for intelligent squad management.
Frequently asked
Who is Ali Olwan and why is he important in this game?
Ali Olwan is Jordan's striker and the team's main offensive reference. He is looking to equal the national record for goals (12) in the national team and has the chance to do so against Argentina, even with the elimination already defined. The 24-year-old player plays for Al-Wehdat and is a key player for the team in its first World Cup.
Will Lionel Messi play against Jordan?
No. Argentina is already qualified and should spare Messi and other starters for the round of 16. Coach Lionel Scaloni should opt for less worn-out players to save energy.
What is Jordan's record in World Cups?
This is Jordan's first participation in a World Cup. The team debuted in the tournament with defeats to Croatia and Senegal and is looking for its first victory in the competition against Argentina.
Where will the game between Jordan and Argentina take place?
The duel will be at AT&T Stadium, in Dallas, United States. The stadium has a capacity for 200,000 spectators and has already hosted major NFL games and the 2024 Women's World Cup.
Which Argentine players should be spared?
In addition to Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, Lisandro Martínez and other starters should remain on the bench. The lineup should prioritize names like Valentín Barco, Thiago Almada and Paulo Dybala to save energy.
What is Argentina's objective in this game?
The main objective is to save the main players for the round of 16, maintaining the competitive pace without wearing out the squad. The team has already secured first place in the group and seeks to reach the decisive stages with physical and mental health.
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