Argentina vs Austria Preview: ARG vs AUT World Cup 2026 Group J Team News, Lineups, Prediction

Argentina are set to lock horns against Austria in a Group J encounter on Monday (June 22). Argentina and Austria both secure three points in their opening matches of the World Cup 2026. The Argentinians triumphed 3-0 when they met Algeria, while Austria beat Jordan 3-1.

Now, the two nations meet at Dallas Stadium for a pivotal clash to determine who will take top spot in the group.

Argentina vs Austria Team News & Form

Argentina Team News

Argentina's team selection will be entirely focused on platforming their captain, Lionel Messi. To compensate for his age, boss Lionel Scaloni is expected to deploy a midfield four stationed behind him, featuring Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, and Thiago Almada.

In defense, Gonzalo Montiel is a doubt due to a hamstring issue, meaning Nahuel Molina

is the safer choice to start at right-back. Facundo Medina will offer rampaging runs from left-back, while Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez are set to continue their central defensive partnership in front of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Lautaro Martinez could be the perfect option to provide a willing runner ahead of Messi.

Austria Team News

Austria enter the match with some lineup dilemmas, particularly in attack where Sasa Kalajdzic was substituted at half time against Jordan following a poor display. He will be hoping to keep his starting spot over veteran Marko Arnautovic, who is 37 and better suited as an impact option.

The midfield will be anchored by RB Leipzig duo Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager, supporting a creative cast that features Romano Schmid, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Marcel Sabitzer. Defensively, right-back Stefan Posch suffered a broken jaw in the opener, so Konrad Laimer may be used in his place alongside Philipp Lienhart, Phillipp Mwene, and captain David Alaba.

Argentina vs Austria Predicted Lineups

Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martinez

Austria: Schlager; Laimer, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Seiwald, Schlager, Schmid, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer; Kalajdzic

Argentina vs Austria Match Prediction

Austria are Argentina's most tactically astute opponents in Group J and will almost certainly prove more difficult to break down than Algeria. Ralf Rangnick's system can disrupt possession-based sides and make life uncomfortable via set-pieces and a high press.

However, the defending world champions boast immense quality and a perfectly balanced midfield. The sheer genius of Messi should be enough to eventually get the better of the Austrian defense. Expect a hard-fought contest where Argentina's experience shines through.

Score Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Austria