Argentina's goal conceded to Jordan breaks curious World Cup curse

Lionel Scaloni's Argentina secured a 3-1 victory over Jordan to complete a perfect group stage run at the 2026 World Cup. While Mousa Al-Tamari's consolation goal ended the Albiceleste's clean sheet streak, it ultimately brought relief rather than concern.

Argentina had defeated Algeria and Austria without conceding, putting them on track to finish the first round without allowing a goal — just as they did in 1998 under Daniel Passarella. That historical parallel had drawn attention because teams achieving the same feat had been eliminated in the subsequent rounds.

Jordan's goal, though a blemish on the scoreline, freed Scaloni's side from the weight of that curious statistic.