Looking to take control of Group J of the 2026 World Cup, Argentina clash with Austria on matchday two at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on June 22.
Both teams won their opening matches. A Lionel Messi hat-trick inspired Argentina to a comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria, while Austria overcame Jordan 3-1. Argentina and Austria have never met in competitive football. Their 2026 World Cup fixture marks a historic first competitive encounter.
Lionel Scaloni’s side are the superior one in this game, with Messi, at the ripe age of 38, continuing to look like the best player in the world. The diminutive genius is back with plenty of talent and experienced stars around him. However, Austria play a vertical, aggressive and pressing style of football that could cause the holders problems, especially in transitions.
The winner of this match, provided there is one, will guarantee progression to the knockout rounds.
Argentina vs Austria
Team News
Lionel Scaloni is expected to be forced into just one change for the Austria match. Gonzalo Montiel was forced off at half-time in the win over Algeria with a hamstring issue, opening the door for Nahuel Molina to start at right-back.
Like Argentina, Austria also has a concern at right-back, with Stefan Posch a major doubt after suffering a broken jaw. While surgery is not required, Ralf Rangnick is expected to protect him, with Konrad Laimer filling in at right-back.
Argentina vs Austria
Predicted Lineups
Predicted Argentina lineup (4-3-3): Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez
Predicted Austria lineup (4-2-3-1): Alexander Schlager; Konrad Laimer, Philipp Lienhart, David Alaba, Phillipp Mwene; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Romano Schmid, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marcel Sabitzer; Marko Arnautovic
Argentina vs Austria
Odds
As per Kalshi, Argentina are the overwhelming favourites to win this contest. They have a 68% chance of winning, while there is a 23% chance of the game ending in a draw. Austria have been given a 12% chance to stun the holders.
Messi scripted headlines in La Albiceleste’s World Cup opener by netting a hat-trick against Algeria. Thus, it is not surprising that the little magician is favourite to score anytime during the game at 53%. Julian Alvarez is behind his skipper at 37% to score against Austria. For Austria, Marcel Sabitzer is backed to get on the scoresheet. The midfielder’s odds stand at 16%.
Argentina vs Austria
Prediction
Of course, Messi was the only player to have scored for his nation in the first game, but the players around him such as Mac Allister, Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez make Argentina’s front half arguably the best at the World Cup. Alvarez and Nicolas Gonzalez came off the bench and provided more attacking impetus against Algeria.
Austria started their World Cup campaign with a bang by beating Jordan 3-1, and they do have the quality to make life difficult for Scaloni’s side. However, they do have deficiencies at the back, and Rangnick would have been worried by the manner in which his side got so easily cut open for the Jordan goal. Das Team will have to eliminate their mistakes if they intend to shock the tournament favourites in Dallas.
Nonetheless, we still feel Messi and co. will be too strong for the Austrians and will register their second win and qualify for the knockouts.
