The twelfth matchday of the 2026 World Cup is focused on two groups — J and I. At 20:00 Kyiv time, reigning champions Argentina take on Austria, while the night slot features three matches that will complete the second round of Group I and answer the question: can anyone close the gap on France and Norway before the final round? Meanwhile, Group G has just found a new leader — Egypt — and the race for a spot among the eight best third-placed teams is already gathering pace.
Group J: Argentina Looking for a Second Win
After the first round, Argentina thrashed Algeria 3:0 and Austria comfortably beat Jordan 3:1. Both teams go into this match with three points — meaning the winner will effectively book their place in the Round of 32. A draw keeps both sides in contention but opens the door for Algeria and Jordan, who face each other overnight on June 23 (06:00 Kyiv time). For Algeria and Jordan, it is an all-or-nothing match: a defeat while the other group leaders draw would mean an early exit.
Group I: France and Norway Already on the Verge of the Knockouts
The first round of Group I sent a clear signal: France beat Senegal 3:1 and Norway demolished Iraq 4:1. Both teams have 3 points and play their second-round matches tonight — France vs Iraq (00:00) and Norway vs Senegal (03:00). A win for either side guarantees progression to the knockouts regardless of the third-round result. Senegal and Iraq, meanwhile, find themselves in a situation where every point is critical — not only for their group standing, but also for a potential place among the eight best third-placed teams.
Group G: Egypt Surprisingly Top the Table
After two rounds, Group G has produced a surprising picture. Egypt beat New Zealand 3:1 (goals from Ziko, Salah and Hassan) and have accumulated 4 points to lead the group. Belgium and Iran each have 2 points following draws in two matches — 1:1 and 0:0 respectively. New Zealand are pointless. Third round (June 26): Egypt vs Iran and New Zealand vs Belgium. Belgium sitting on two points after two rounds is a worrying sign for a team that was considered the group favourites.
Scenarios
- Argentina beat Austria (20:00): The Albiceleste move to 6 points and are almost certain to finish top of Group J. Austria remain on 3 points and await the result of the overnight Jordan vs Algeria match. The winner of that game draws level with Austria on points, making the third round decisive.
- Argentina vs Austria draw: All four teams in Group J retain their chances of advancing. Algeria and Jordan's overnight match becomes a battle for the right to fight for a knockout spot in the third round — a defeat for either side while the leaders draw complicates things, but does not close the door entirely.
- Both France and Norway win overnight: Group I is settled — both teams advance to the Round of 32, the third round becomes a formality for the leaders and a last chance for Senegal and Iraq to claim a spot among the eight best third-placed teams.
The Race for the Eight Best Third-Placed Teams
After two rounds in most groups, the ranking of third-placed sides is beginning to take shape. Among the teams currently sitting third with points are Cape Verde (2 points, Group H) and Iran (2 points, Group G). Both have a realistic chance of making the top eight, but everything depends on the third round. The key tiebreaker after points is goal difference, so teams in third place benefit not only from picking up points but also from scoring as many goals as possible.
Tonight, watch to see whether Austria can stop the reigning champions and keep Group J wide open. Overnight, the focus shifts to whether France and Norway can confirm their class in the second round of Group I. By tomorrow morning, the picture in both groups will be considerably clearer.
Photo: OBOZ.UA · Editorial (source)
