Defending champions Argentina are set to face Austria in their second Group J match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Monday at 11 pm at Dallas Stadium.
Argentina opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Algeria and currently sit top of Group J. Austria are second in the group with three points after defeating Jordan 3-1 on June 17.
A win for Lionel Messi’s side will secure a place in the knockout stage, while a draw will likely be enough for qualification depending on other results.
Lionel Scaloni’s team have been in excellent form, winning all of their last eight matches, and have also shown strong defensive consistency throughout the run.
Austria, meanwhile, edged past Jordan in a tense contest, scoring a late winner through Marko Arnautovic. However, defensive lapses remain a concern for coach Ralf Rangnick, particularly after conceding an equaliser in their previous match.
Despite that, Austria have been solid overall, conceding more than one goal in only one of their last 18 matches, making them a disciplined defensive unit.
Head-to-head record slightly favours Argentina, with the South Americans winning three of their four meetings, while Austria have won once.
Previous meetings
These two sides have never met in a competitive fixture before.
Their only two previous meetings have come in friendlies in Vienna, with Argentina winning 5-1 in 1980 and a 1-1 draw 10 years later.
Possible line-ups
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martínez.
Austria: Schlager; Laimer, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Seiwald, X. Schlager; Schmid, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer; Kalajdzic.
Argentina will rely heavily on Messi’s creativity and finishing, while Austria are expected to focus on counter-attacks and set-pieces.
Prediction
Argentina start as clear favourites and are expected to dominate possession.
Prediction: Argentina 2–0 Austria
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
