Argentina will look to lock down their place in the World Cup 2026 knockout stages when they face Austria in Dallas on Monday.
The reigning world champions made a strong start to Group J with a 3-0 win over Algeria, while Austria also opened their campaign with three points after defeating Jordan 3-1.
Lionel Messi once again stole the headlines in Argentina’s opening match, scoring a stunning hat-trick against Algeria to remind the football world that he remains capable of deciding games on the biggest stage.
The 38-year-old is now one goal away from breaking the all-time World Cup scoring record, but his primary focus will be helping Argentina defend the trophy they won in Qatar four years ago.
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria were made to work hard for the result, eventually pulling clear in the closing stages after Jordan had threatened to frustrate them for long periods.
Team news for Argentina vs Austria
Argentina are expected to continue building their side around Messi, with Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez and Thiago Almada likely to form the midfield unit behind the captain.
Nahuel Molina is expected to start at right-back, with Gonzalo Montiel struggling with a hamstring issue. Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez should continue their partnership in central defence, while Lautaro Martinez is set to lead the line alongside Messi.
Austria have a concern over Stefan Posch, who is dealing with a broken jaw and could be rested as a precaution. If unavailable, Konrad Laimer may switch to right-back.
Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager are expected to retain their places in midfield, while Carney Chukwuemeka could continue in the number 10 role behind the attack.
Sasa Kalajdzic may keep his place up front despite being substituted at half time against Jordan, though veteran striker Marko Arnautovic is pushing for a recall after scoring from the bench in the opening match.
Expected line-ups for Argentina vs Austria
Argentina starting XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada; Messi, Martinez
Austria starting XI: A Schlager; Laimer, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Seiwald, X Schlager; Schmid, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer; Kalajdzic
Where to watch Argentina vs Austria: TV channel, online live stream
The match kicks off on Monday, June 22 at Dallas Stadium. Kick-off is at 18:00 BST.
In the UK, live World Cup matches are expected to be broadcast across the BBC, with streaming available via BBC iPlayer.
Argentina vs Austria stats
- Argentina won their opening Group J match 3-0 against Algeria
- Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s win
- La Albiceleste have won each of their last eight matches in all competitions
- Argentina have won seven consecutive World Cup matches
- Austria defeated Jordan 3-1 in their opening group fixture
- Das Team have conceded more than one goal in only one of their last 18 matches
- Austria are appearing at their first World Cup since 1998
- Argentina are the reigning world champions after winning the 2022 tournament
- Austria have not reached the World Cup knockout stages since 1982
- The nations have met twice previously, with Argentina winning 5-1 in 1980 before a 1-1 draw in 1990
Prediction for Argentina vs Austria
Austria have become an extremely well-organised side under Rangnick and are likely to provide a sterner examination than Algeria managed in the opening round.
However, Argentina’s quality throughout the squad, combined with Messi’s outstanding form, should prove decisive.
Expect a competitive contest, but the world champions look capable of securing another victory and sealing their place in the knockout rounds.
Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Austria
