Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios makes his first appearance of the 2026 World Cup as Argentina rest Lionel Messi for their final group match against Jordan.
The defending champions have secured top spot in the group and safe passage to the Round of 32, rendering this fixture a dead rubber. Manager Lionel Scaloni has taken the opportunity to rotate his squad extensively. Only the two Martínezes—goalkeeper Emiliano and striker Lautaro—retain their places from the side that secured a 2-0 victory over Austria in the previous outing.
Messi, who has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in the tournament so far, is among the senior figures given a breather. Palacios steps into the midfield alongside Leandro Paredes and Giovani Lo Celso as Scaloni tests his squad depth.
Jordan arrive at the fixture unable to progress regardless of the result. The debutants have suffered narrow defeats to Austria and Algeria in their opening two matches, ending their maiden World Cup campaign at the group stage. The outcome here will not alter the final standings.
In a surprising selection call, Jordan have dropped their only Europe-based player, Rennes winger Moussa Al-Taamari, to the substitutes’ bench. The 26-year-old featured prominently in the earlier defeats but starts among the replacements as the coaching staff look at alternative options.
Confirmed XIs
Argentina: E Martínez; Simeone, Otamendi (c), Senesi, Tagliafico; Palacios, Paredes, Lo Celso; Paz, L Martínez, Álvarez.
Jordan: Abulaila; Haddad (c), Abu Dahab, Al-Arab, Nasib, Abu Taha; Azaizeh, Al-Rashdan, Al-Rawabdeh, Al-Fakhouri; Olwan.
Knockout Phase Looms
Argentina’s confirmation as group winners sets up a Round of 32 meeting with fellow debutants Cape Verde. The match will mark the next step in the holders’ title defence, with Scaloni using this Jordan fixture to manage minutes ahead of the knockout intensity.
For Jordan, the game represents a final opportunity to avoid leaving the tournament without a point. The Asian side have shown competitive spirit in narrow losses but face the ultimate challenge against the South American giants.
The absence of competitive tension does not diminish the occasion for the debutants, who conclude their first World Cup appearance against the sport’s most decorated nation.