In Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi is the undisputed star. But as Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni moves away from Messi-dependent play, fans can expect more aggressive performances from the team’s other elite talent. Algeria, Austria, and Jordan are bringing impressive footballers, too. Check out these 2026 World Cup players to watch in Group J.

Riyad Mahrez – Algeria

Riyad Mahrez is a 35-year-old right winger for the Algeria national team and Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli. He’s Algeria’s team captain and its most inspirational playmaker. With more than 100 international caps, he’s a seasoned veteran bringing elite dribbling skills and outstanding vision. Mahrez has won both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League trophies in the past. He also claimed the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. In the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League season, Mahrez played 27 matches, scored 4 goals, and recorded 8 assists.

Ismael Bennacer – Algeria

28-year-old Ismael Bennacer is a midfielder for Algeria’s national team, Dinamo Zagreb (on loan), and AC Milan. Offering balance, agility, and exceptional ball control, Bennacer can quickly progress from defense to attack and can expertly dictate the tempo of games. He boasts outstanding passing accuracy and close control, along with impressive stamina and a high work rate. He’ll play an important hand in helping Algeria go the distance with Argentina and Austria.

Musa Al-Taamari – Jordan

Musa Al-Taamari is a 28-year-old right-winger for Stade Rennais FC and Jordan’s national football team. He’s played 33 matches in the Ligue 1 2025-26 season, and he’s recorded 6 goals and 6 assists. Al-Taamari has a reputation for lethal counterattacks, tactical versatility, and an ability to work at a blistering pace. He also has a four-star weak foot that allows him to regularly cut inside and accurately shoot and pass.

Yazan Al-Arab – Jordan

Playing for both Jordan and FC Seoul, Yazan Al-Arab is a 30-year-old center-back (defender) with a strong aerial presence and dominating strength. He’s Jordan’s defensive anchor and primary leader with more than 70 international caps. Manager Jamal Sellami regularly positions Yazan Al-Arab at the center of a defensive 3-4-2 trio. In the K League 1 2026 season, he’s recorded 1 goal and 1 assist across 12 matches.

Marcel Sabitzer – Austria

Marcel Sabitzer plays for Borussia Dortmund and the Austria national team. The 32-year-old is a highly versatile midfielder with impressive creative playmaking skills and an intense vertical attacking system. With nearly 100 international caps, he brings extensive tournament experience and clinical finishing. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, Sabitzer recorded 1 goal and 2 assists in 26 matches.

Konrad Laimer – Austria

29-year-old Konrad Laimer plays for FC Bayern Munich and Austria’s national football team. The dynamic midfielder brings incredible stamina, aggressive defense, and an overall elite pace to the tournament. Konrad Laimer will serve as the tactical engine for Austria’s World Cup team. He’s one of the most vital elements of manager Ralf Rangnick’s Gegenpressing strategy. Although he operates best as a defensive midfielder, Laimer can quickly cover ground and open up creative channels as a right-sided defender. In the 2025-26 Bundesliga season, Laimer has recorded 3 goals and 9 assists across 29 matches.

Lautaro Martinez – Argentina

Lautaro Martinez is a 28-year-old striker for Inter Milan and Argentina’s national football team. He’s a clinical, world-class striker who can capably lead Argentina’s attacking line. He provides much-needed squad depth as a lethal super-sub. In the penalty box, he has predatory instincts, and despite being a traditional number 9, Martinez maintains stellar balance and agility. He’s also a significant aerial threat on crosses and set pieces.

In the 2025-26 Serie A season, Lautaro Martinez recorded an impressive 17 goals and 6 assists across 30 matches. He’s also scored 4 goals in 8 UEFA Champions League matches. Martinez helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022, and he’s won several Copa America titles.

Julian Alvarez – Argentina

26-year-old forward Julian Alvarez plays for Argentina’s national team and Atletico Madrid. He offers elite finishing, tactical flexibility, and relentless pressing. He’s Argentina’s ultimate utility forward, and he can seamlessly rotate with Lautaro Martinez to alleviate defensive burdens. He has excellent balance, stamina, and agility, and he consistently maintains a high work rate.

In the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season, Alvarez scored 10 goals and recorded 5 assists across 15 games. In 29 La Liga matches, Alvarez recorded 8 goals and 4 assists. With his explosive energy, he’s a top pick for supporting or subbing Messi as a primary target man or runner.

Lionel Messi – Argentina

All eyes are on Lionel Messi as the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws near. While he’s indisputably Argentina’s star player, he’s also one of the most senior participants in the tournament. This is widely reported as being Messi’s final World Cup appearance, and it may signal the end of the veteran’s international career.

Although there’s little doubt that the 38-year-old forward can help Argentina pull off another World Cup success in the tournament’s group stage, pundits place Argentina as unlikely to earn back-to-back titles. In Inter Milan’s final game before the World Cup’s start, Messi left the field due to a suspected hamstring injury. Chalked up to little more than muscle fatigue, the event left fans shaken, but it won’t prevent Messi from starting in Argentina’s first group-stage match against Algeria on June 16.