It’s pretty wild that the current World Champions, Argentina, are the sixth favourite to retain their crown. I’m looking through the squad, and there’s an awful lot to like still, even though a few of their stars from 2022 might have an extra grey hair or two.
They are one of my outside World Cup tips to win the whole competition, but for now, let’s see if we can find any value from Group J. I’ve got one pick from a group that, admittedly, I don’t love from a betting perspective. Here. We. Go.
Group J World Cup Betting Odds
TL;DR – My Group J Predictions Are Live
| Bet | Bookies | Odds | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina/Austria straight forecast | Betfred | 11/8 | 2 |
*Odds correct at 10:00 BST on 12/06/2026. Odds subject to change.
No Expiry Date
Argentina/Austria Straight Forecast is the Value Play
I’m winning no awards by sticking my neck out and predicting that Argentina will win this group. They cruised through their CONMEBOL qualifying, sitting top of the table, some nine points ahead of Ecuador in second.
They are, for me, the ones to watch this year, and while all the hype has been around France, Spain, and, to a point, England, their World Cup odds to win it look like insane value at 11/1. Especially as you’ve got Brazil at 10/1, a team who limped through qualifying and were pumped 4-1 by La Albiceleste back in March.
In fact, I’ve gone as far as taking their talisman, Julian Alvarez, to be the World Cup top scorer this year, such is my confidence in the team.
The question now is: who from Group J will join them?
Both Algeria and Austria are good sides. Just looking back at recent results, Algeria have beaten the likes of the Netherlands and Bolivia, and drawn with Uruguay in the build-up to the 2026 campaign.
And then you look at Austria, who lost just once across their whole qualifying campaign, missing out on top spot to Belgium by a single point. It’s not a flashy team by any means, but Ralf Rangnick – remember him? – has them well organised, robust and hard to beat.
Sometimes a lack of prima donnas brings unity, and that can go a long way in a tournament like this.
As to not get splinters on my backside, I’ve opted for Austria to finish second and become part of my Group J betting predictions as a straight forecast with Argentina. Honestly, I don’t think there’s much in it, and you’ll get slightly better odds of around 23/10 with Algeria than 11/8 with Austria.
But the quality within the side and the level of opposition that Austria have gotten results from recently, tick all the right boxes for me.
