World Cup: Leverkusen’s Palacios starts as Argentina make several changes for Jordan test

Exequiel Palacios starts for holders Argentina against Jordan.

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Bayer Leverkusen's Exequiel Palacios benefitted from Argentina's early qualification to the Round of 32 as he set to make his first appearance of the 2026 World Cup against debutants Jordan. Lionel Scaloni rested several key players, including the man who scored all of their five goals so far: Lionel Messi. 

Only the two Martinezs – goalkeeper Emiliano and striker Lautaro – remained from the team that started the 2-0 victory over Austria. Surprisingly, Jordan dropped their only Europe-based player, Rennes’ Moussa Al-Taamari, to the bench.

Jordan are already knocked out from the group stage after narrow defeats to Austria and Algeria. The match will not affect the ranking of the group in any way since the holders are already confirmed to finish top. Argentina will face another debutants in the Round of 32 with their tie against Cape Verde.

Confirmed Argentina vs. Jordan Lineups

Argentina XI: Martinez; Simeone, Otamendi ©, Senesi, Tagliafico; Palacios, Paredes, Lo Celso; Paz, Lautaro Martinez, Alvarez

Jordan XI: Abulaila; Haddad ©, Abu Dahab, Al-Arab, Nasib, Abu Taha; Azaizeh, Al-Rashdan, Al-Rawabdeh, Al-Fakhouri; Olwan