Argentina took a 2-0 lead into half-time against Jordan in their Group J match at the 2026 World Cup in Dallas on Friday after Giovanni Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez scored in a dominant first-half display.
The defending champions controlled possession, dictated the tempo and restricted Jordan to very little attacking threat. Argentina had already secured qualification as group winners before kick-off and looked on course for a third straight win.
Lionel Scaloni’s side moved the ball quickly through midfield and pushed Jordan deep for long periods. Their control allowed them to settle early and force Jordan into defending close to their own penalty area.
Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a free-kick that gave Argentina an early breakthrough. The goal rewarded a strong start in which Argentina kept pressure around the Jordan box and rarely allowed their opponents to settle.
Argentina continued to dominate territory and possession after the opener. Jordan struggled to build attacks and spent much of the half chasing the ball.
Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage in the 31st minute after Argentina won a penalty through a VAR review. The striker converted from the spot and gave his side a comfortable cushion before the break.
Jordan created little in response and Argentina never looked under sustained pressure.
Elsewhere in Group J, Austria and Algeria entered half-time level at 1-1 in Kansas City. Marko Arnautovic gave Austria the lead in the 28th minute after a pass from David Alaba, but Riyan Bahlali equalised just before the interval.
That result left the battle for second place in Group J open heading into the second half.
