Argentina vs Austria Betting Odds, Lineups, Prediction & Best Bets

Argentina vs Austria Match Summary

Defending champions Argentina meet Austria in a Group J Matchday 2 clash at Dallas Stadium, with both teams looking to build on winning starts to the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina rolled to a dominant 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opener, with Lionel Messi delivering a stunning hat-trick to equal the all-time World Cup scoring record.

Austria snapped a 36-year World Cup game-winning drought by beating Jordan 3-1, powered by goals from Romano Schmid and veteran Marko Arnautović.

These two nations have met twice before — both friendlies — but this marks their first-ever competitive matchup. A win here would all but seal a Round of 16 berth.

Argentina vs Austria Form

Argentina are riding a five-match winning streak across all competitions, outscoring opponents 15-1 in that run. Messi's hat-trick against Algeria was the headline, but this squad's depth is the real story — Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández have been dominant in the middle of the field, and Argentina topped the CONMEBOL qualifying table with 12 wins.

Austria won UEFA Group H outright to earn direct qualification, compiling 19 points from eight matches. Their aggressive pressing system averaged more than 18 tackles per game during qualifying. The 3-1 opening win over Jordan showed they can carry that intensity onto the World Cup stage, with Marcel Sabitzer stepping up creatively following Christoph Baumgartner's pre-tournament injury.

Argentina vs Austria Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

Argentina: Gonzalo Montiel (Injured/out)

Austria: Stefan Posch (Injured/doubtful)

Argentina

Gonzalo Montiel will miss this game due to a minor hamstring injury, with Nahuel Molina expected to deputize at right back. Argentina have a fully available squad otherwise, with star player Lionel Messi expected to support Lautaro Martinoz in attack.

Austria

Stefan Posch is a doubt for this game after suffering a broken jaw, though there remains a chance he could feature. David Alaba will continue in the middle of defense, with Kondar Laimer in midfield. Marcel Sabitzer is expected to support Sasa Kalajdzic in attack.

Argentina vs Austria Predicted Lineup

Argentina

Formation: 4-3-1-2

Predicted Starting Lineup: E. Martínez; N. Molina, C. Romero, L. Martínez, F. Medina; R. De Paul, E. Fernández, A. Mac Allister; T. Almada; L. Messi, L. Martínez

Austria

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: A. Schlager; S. Posch, D. Alaba, P. Lienhart, P. Mwene; X. Schlager, N. Seiwald; R. Schmid, K. Laimer, M. Sabitzer; S. Kalajdzic

Argentina vs Austria Key Stats & Match Facts

• Argentina are undefeated in their two previous senior international meetings against Austria — a 5-1 win in 1980 and a 1-1 draw in 1990 — but this is their first-ever competitive clash.
• Lionel Messi has equaled Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup record of 16 goals following his hat-trick against Algeria on Matchday 1.
• Argentina have won five consecutive matches across all competitions in 2026, scoring 15 goals and conceding just one.
• Austria's victory over Jordan ended a 36-year World Cup match-winning drought — their previous World Cup win came back in 1990.
• Both teams scored three goals in their respective group openers, combining for a total of six goals across the two matches.

Argentina vs Austria Talking Points

The midfield battle is the one to watch. Austria's aggressive counter-pressing system — built around winning the ball high up the field and transitioning quickly — will run directly into Argentina's press-resistant central trio of Mac Allister, Fernández, and Rodrigo De Paul. That battle in the middle third will likely determine the game's tempo. Meanwhile, Messi stands one goal away from breaking Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record, and Dallas Stadium's 94,000-seat capacity is expected to be packed with Argentina supporters.

Austria will need David Alaba at his commanding best at the back and the direct running of Arnautović up top if they're going to pull off the upset. The integration of young dual-national talents like Paul Wanner and Carney Chukwuemeka has raised Austria's technical ceiling, but matching Argentina's quality for 90 minutes in this atmosphere is a different proposition entirely.

Argentina vs Austria Predictions FAQs

When is the Argentina vs Austria World Cup game?

The World Cup match between Argentina and Austria is scheduled for Monday, June 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

What is the Argentina vs Austria prediction?

Argentina are expected to control the match with their strong attacking lineup and world-class squad depth, while Austria will look to stay compact and counter-attack. A narrow victory for Argentina is the most likely outcome based on recent team form and their superior individual quality.

Where can I watch Argentina vs Austria?

In the United States, the match will be broadcast on FOX and FS1 for English-language coverage, with Telemundo and Universo providing Spanish-language coverage. Streaming is available on the FOX Sports App and Peacock. In Canada, fans can watch on CTV, TSN, and RDS.

What are the projected lineups for Argentina vs Austria?

Argentina are expected to field their strongest starting eleven, led by their key attackers, while Austria will rely on a disciplined defensive structure. Official lineups will be announced shortly before kickoff.

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