Published Jun 10, 5:44am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 10, 5:44am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jun 10, 5:44am ET
A crucial matchup in the battle for a runners-up finish in Group J is set for San Francisco on June 17, as Austria take on World Cup debutants Jordan.
The European nation will be widely expected to overpower their opponents, and they will likely be the most serious challenger to Argentina for top spot in the standings.
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|
|---|---|
| Austria | -305 |
| DRAW | +464 |
| Jordan | +850 |
Ralf Rangnick has done an excellent job since taking over as the Austrian manager. The German has masterminded the team’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. However, Austria haven’t won a match at the World Cup Finals since 1990.
The European qualified impressively, winning six of their eight fixtures, scoring an impressive eight goals and conceding just four times. Their progress has continued in 2026, recording three straight wins, and keeping clean sheets in back-to-back victories against South Korea and Tunisia.
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History will be made on MD1 in Group J, as Jordan will play at the World Cup for the first time in their history. It has been a productive period for the Asian nation, qualifying for the competition after winning eight of their 16 matches, and losing on just three occasions.
However, their form since gaining qualification has dipped sharply. They come into this opening night matchup after losing back-to-back clashes against Colombia and Switzerland, while they have failed to win in their previous five encounters.
This could be a disastrous night for the World Cup debutants. Austria have improved rapidly under Rangnick, and they look set to open their account at the tournament with a straightforward win in California.
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Pick
Austria (-305)
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