27/06/2026 04:49 - Deportes
The Argentine National Team completed their final training session on Friday, June 26 in Kansas City ahead of their match against Jordan, corresponding to the third round of Group J of the 2026 World Cup. The squad worked at the Compass Minerals facilities of Sporting Kansas, where they attended a video analysis session and then continued with gym activities.
After 11:20 AM, the players conducted their warm-up on the field, with press access during the first fifteen minutes. Head coach Lionel Scaloni directed the group's tactical movements and rehearsed specific aspects of play. Towards the end, Walter Samuel and Roberto Ayala led set-piece practice both for and against, including free kicks and corner kicks.
Scaloni confirmed he will make multiple rotations for the match against Jordan, as Argentina secured first place in Group J with 6 points and a +5 goal difference. Lionel Messi, who turned 39 years old on June 24, will be a substitute to preserve him for the Round of 16.
The tactical setup would include a double 9 (a formation with two strikers) featuring Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez as center forwards, an offensive approach Scaloni already tested in previous training sessions.
Defender Cristian 'Cuti' Romero (nicknamed 'Cuti' in Argentina) has been doing differentiated work in the gym with the team's physiotherapists. On Friday, he added field work to his routine. The center-back received a knock to his knee during the previous match and will be preserved as a precautionary measure.
The medical staff decided not to risk Romero considering Argentina already qualified as group winners and that the player will be fundamental for the Round of 16.
Argentina already knows their opponent for the Round of 16: they will face Cape Verde, who finished second in Group H with 2 points. The match will be played on Friday, July 3 at 7:00 PM Argentine time at the stadium in Miami.
Spain leads Group H with 4 points, while Uruguay was eliminated after losing 1-0 to Spain on June 26. Álex Baena's goal in the 41st minute of the first half, capitalizing on a Muslera error, condemned the Uruguayan team.
| Group H | Points | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 4 | Leader |
| Cape Verde | 2 | Second (will face Argentina) |
| Uruguay | 2 | Eliminated |
| Saudi Arabia | 0 | Eliminated |
The Argentine Delegation modified their initial planning: they will train in Kansas on July 1 and in the afternoon will depart for Miami to prepare for the Round of 16 match of the FIFA World Cup.
The match against Jordan will be played on Saturday, June 27 at 11:00 PM in Dallas, with refereeing by an international official.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
