Preview: Argentina vs Austria | Latest news, line-ups, absences (22/06/2026)
Preview, team news, head-to-head, probable line-ups and where to watch Argentina vs Austria in Group J at the 2026 World Cup
Group J’s top two meet in Arlington on Monday as Argentina and Austria put their perfect starts to the World Cup on the line. Both teams opened their campaigns with victories and another three points here would see the winner clinch qualification for the knockout stages.
Argentina began the defence of their world title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria. The headlines belonged to Lionel Messi, who scored all three goals, netting his first-ever World Cup hat-trick, and became the first player in history to appear in six World Cups.
Austria also enjoyed a winning start, although Ralf Rangnick‘s side had to work considerably harder than the final score suggested in their 3-1 victory over Jordan.
The contrast in styles should make this one of the most fascinating tactical battles of the second round of group-stage fixtures. Argentina remain one of the most complete teams in international football, and are among the favourites to win the World Cup, while Austria have developed into one of Europe’s most aggressive and energetic sides under Rangnick.
Latest news: absences, form, team news
Argentina could hardly have asked for a smoother start, as Lionel Scaloni‘s side were in control their opener from start to finish and rarely looked troubled defensively. The world champions appeared sharp, balanced and comfortable in possession, exactly the qualities that have made them such a formidable tournament team over recent years.
Austria also left their opening match with plenty of positives. Romano Schmid gave them an early lead against Jordan before the Middle Eastern side equalised. An own goal restored Austria’s advantage before Marko Arnautović sealed victory with a late penalty after coming off the bench.
Argentina
Scaloni is unlikely to make significant changes after such an impressive opening performance. Emiliano Martínez remains one of the top goalkeepers in the tournament, while Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez continue to form a formidable partnership in central defence. The midfield trio of Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister provides a blend of energy, control and creativity that few nations can match.
Further forward, Messi remains the focal point after his remarkable hat-trick against Algeria. It remains to be seen if Nicolas Tagliafico will fully recover from injury after being an unused sub in their tournament opener. Julián Álvarez should also push for his first start after coming off the bench against Algeria.
Austria
Austria emerged from the Jordan victory without any major injury concerns and Rangnick is expected to trust the core of the side that secured the opening win. Marcel Sabitzer remains the leader in midfield, while Konrad Laimer and Nicolas Seiwald are crucial to the team’s pressing game and Arnautović’s impact from the bench may give Rangnick a selection dilemma ahead of this match. The bad news for the Austria coach is that Stefan Posch picked up a jaw injury that could force him to miss the remainder of the tournament.
Teams H2H: Head-to-head stats
Argentina and Austria have not faced each other at senior international level. While both countries have long World Cup traditions, Monday’s meeting will effectively be a fresh chapter between two sides from different footballing cultures. Argentina arrive as the reigning world champions, while Austria are appearing at their first World Cup since 1998 and are looking to establish themselves as one of the tournament’s surprise packages.
Predicted line-ups
Neither manager is expected to make wholesale changes after opening victories. Argentina’s consistency has been one of the foundations of their recent success, while Austria’s pressing system relies heavily on familiarity and collective understanding.
Tactical analysis: Can Austria’s press unsettle the world champions?
Austria will almost certainly attempt to make this match uncomfortable from the opening whistle. Rangnick’s teams are built around pressing aggressively, forcing mistakes and attacking quickly after regaining possession.
The challenge is that Argentina possess one of the most press-resistant midfields in international football. Fernández, Mac Allister and De Paul are all capable of receiving possession under pressure and progressing the ball through crowded central areas. If Austria’s first line of pressure is bypassed, significant spaces could open up across the pitch.
The opening stages may prove crucial. If Austria can disrupt Argentina’s rhythm and turn the game into a physical contest, they will fancy their chances of remaining competitive. If Argentina establish control early, their technical superiority could gradually take over.
Key players to watch
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Just when it seemed there were no records left to break, Messi delivered another extraordinary World Cup performance. His hat-trick against Algeria not only secured Argentina’s opening victory but also took him level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. Even at this stage of his career, he remains capable of deciding matches through moments of brilliance that few other players can produce.
Austria’s aggressive pressing may actually suit Messi, creating spaces for him to exploit once Argentina break the first line of pressure. If the game becomes stretched, his ability to find decisive passes or drift into dangerous shooting positions could prove decisive.
Messi is rarely a value selection in the standard goalscorer markets, but after scoring all three goals against Algeria, backing him to score two or more goals could be the more attractive option for those expecting Argentina to dominate.
Marko Arnautović (Austria)
Arnautović changed the game after coming off the bench against Jordan. The veteran striker won the corner that led to Austria’s second goal before calmly converting a stoppage-time penalty to seal victory. His experience, physicality and ability to occupy defenders make him a valuable weapon whether he starts or appears later in the match.
If Arnautović earns a place in the starting XI, backing him to register a shot on target could be a smart angle. Austria are unlikely to generate a high volume of chances, making their most experienced forward the logical focal point.
Where to watch Argentina vs Austria in the UK and Ireland
Argentina vs Austria kicks off at 18:00 BST on Monday, June 22 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
In the Republic of Ireland, the match will be available through RTÉ’s World Cup coverage and RTÉ Player.
Market insights and probability predictions
Argentina are predicted to beat Austria after their impressive opening performance. Current markets imply approximately a 65% chance of an Argentine victory, with Austria given around a 15% to 20% chance of causing an upset. The draw is priced at roughly 22%.
The goals market leans towards over 2.5 goals. Austria’s high-intensity style tends to create open matches, while Argentina possess the quality to punish mistakes whenever opponents commit numbers forward.
Austria have developed into a dangerous and highly organised side under Rangnick, but Argentina possess superior quality across the pitch and remain one of the most experienced tournament teams in world football. Austria have what it takes to make life difficult for periods, but the world champions should eventually find a way through.
