As part of a special World Cup series, The Athletic is speaking to fans of all 48 competing nations to capture their unique football culture

Group J of the 2026 World Cup promises high drama, blending the pedigree of the world champions with the defiance of teams hungry for glory.Which players should you keep an eye on?🇦🇷 Lionel

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, has been projected as the most likely winner of the 2026 North America Central America World Cup. However, unlike some past tournaments, there is no overwhelming favorite,

Lionel Scaloni’s strong, confident squad are no longer reliant on Messi as they target back-to-back World Cup titles

As they pursue their fourth world title, they aim to become only the third nation in history to win back-to-back tournaments, joining Italy (1934-1938) and Brazil (1958-1962). Argentines remain confident that as long as Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 during the tournament, is on the pitch, victory is always within reach.

He remains the epicenter of world football. Alongside young stars like Nico Paz, the eternal No. 10 will look to guide La Albiceleste with his magic still fully intact in his final great performance.

The 13.153-kilometre Zojila Tunnel is set to achieve its final breakthrough on June 9, marking a major milestone in one of India's most ambitious infrastructure projects. Once completed, it will become the world's longest single-tube bi-directional road tunnel and the longest of its kind at such a high altitude.

Only after Messi finished and joined the group did the team walk onto the field together. The simple moment quickly caught fans' attention online, with many pointing to it as another example of the respect and leadership Messi has earned inside the Argentina national team throughout his career.