Translation result
[MyDaily = Reporter Kim Geon-ho] The global soccer festival, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup is now just weeks away. The 2026 North American World Cup introduces a new 48-team format. Over 39 days, the tournament will stage 108 matches, making it the largest World Cup in history. South Korea, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will appear at the finals for the 11th consecutive time. Billed by many as the strongest Korean squad ever, the team is preparing to face world-class opposition. MyDaily has launched the [2026WC Spotlight] series, where our soccer reporters engage readers ahead of the tournament. Editor’s note.
◆ World Cup Group-Stage Analysis – Group J
Argentina, centered on Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), enters as the defending champion after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and will chase a consecutive title. Austria, which advanced through European qualifying, is the group’s strongest challenger. Under coach Ralf Rangnick, Austria has shown solid form. Algeria could be a dark horse, while Jordan is considered the weakest side in the group.
Reporter Shim Jae-hee → Predicted group-stage qualifiers: Argentina, Austria
Argentina stands out as the clear favorite. World-class talent anchors the squad, and Messi looks set for what many call his “last dance.” Austria, enjoying a recent uptick in form, appears to be the group’s dark horse and will likely contest second place with Algeria. Jordan, making its first World Cup finals appearance, is viewed as the group’s underdog.
Reporter Kim Jong-guk → Predicted group-stage qualifiers: Argentina, Austria
The defending champion Argentina is the frontrunner to finish first in Group J. The squad includes several World Cup winners who remain core contributors. Messi continues to be a major threat. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) and Julián Álvarez (Atlético Martínez) have kept their scoring touch, while Nico Pas (Como) — who showed potential this season in Italy’s Serie A — should bolster the attack alongside Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) and Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool). Under Ralf Rangnick, Austria has displayed recent stability and looks likely to advance. Players proven in the German Bundesliga — Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich) and Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund) — form the team’s backbone. African dark horse Algeria and Jordan, which has made waves on the Asian stage, could also put in strong performances.
Reporter Kim Geon-ho → Predicted group-stage qualifiers: Argentina, Algeria
Argentina will pursue back-to-back titles with Messi leading the attack. They should reach the round of 32 without much difficulty. The race for second is expected to be tight between Algeria and Austria, while Jordan will try to pull off an upset.
Reporter Choi Byung-jin → Predicted group-stage qualifiers: Argentina, Austria
Argentina reached the summit at the 2022 Qatar tournament, securing Messi’s first World Cup winners’ medal, and now they will attempt a repeat. The group stage should be manageable for them. Austria holds the edge in the fight for second under tactician Rangnick, whose organizational approach has strengthened the side.
Reporter Noh Chan-hyuk → Predicted group-stage qualifiers: Argentina, Austria
The defending champion Argentina is expected to advance from the group comfortably. With Messi likely facing his final World Cup, players like Álvarez and Fernández give the team plenty of star power. Rangnick’s Austria is the favorite for second, though Algeria could pose a threat. Jordan has shown resilience in Asia but will find a global tournament much more demanding.
Most Read News
-
Lee Jung-hoo was electric in his MLB return — single → single → double → single and a sensational sliding catch — but San Francisco’s ninth-inning comeback loss left a sour note.
-
‘Kim Hae-jun♥’ Kim Seung-hye’s baby bump is now clearly visible… 20 weeks until she meets the twins [MD★Star]
-
Lee Jong-suk appeared in Florence like a real-life prince — photoshoot-ready even while holding gelato [MD★Star]
Most Commented