Preview: Argentina vs Austria – latest news, lineups, absences | 2026 World Cup (06/22/2026)

Last update at 20 June, 2026⏲️ Reading time: 5 minutes

Group stage clash between Argentina vs Austria.

Argentina and Austria face each other in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina and Austria will measure their strength in the second matchday of the 2026 World Cup group stage. The match will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, United States.

Fans who do not want to miss any details can check our guide on how to watch Argentina vs Austria live and follow all the action from anywhere.

Both national teams come into this match after winning their opening games, meaning they have already removed the pressure of playing their first World Cup match. The reigning champions know that if they secure another three points, they will have virtually sealed first place in the group.

Latest news: how both teams arrive

Both Argentina and Austria showed on the opening matchday that they are the two strongest teams in Group J. Algeria and Jordan demonstrated that they are a level below, so this match will determine the group leadership and a more favorable matchup in the Round of 32.

Argentina

The team coached by Lionel Scaloni showed against Algeria that they have come to the 2026 World Cup with the intention of defending their title at all costs. Argentina were clearly superior to the African side and did not need to produce exceptionally brilliant football to comfortably defeat their opponent. An outstanding Messi was enough to secure the three group-stage points. They will need to raise their level in this match.

Austria

Austria, meanwhile, defeated Jordan despite the Asians managing to equalize early in the second half. However, during the final half hour, the Central European side increased the tempo and scored two goals that earned them a vital victory. They know the objective is to avoid a heavy defeat against La Albiceleste and then fight for a place in the Round of 32 on the final matchday against Algeria.

Argentina vs Austria: previous meetings

Argentina and Austria have only faced each other once. It was in a friendly match before the 1990 World Cup in Italy, and the game ended in a draw.

(05/03/1990) Austria 1-1 Argentina

Probable lineups

Considering the strong performances of both Argentina and Austria, no major changes are expected in their lineups. In addition, both teams have had several days to recover from their efforts, and Scaloni was able to rest Messi during the final minutes.

Position	–Argentina	–Austria
Goalkeeper	Martínez	Schlager
Defenders	Montiel Romero Lisandro Martínez Medina	Posch Mwene Lienhart Alaba
Midfielders	Enzo Fernández Mac Allister Almada De Pau	Schlager Seiwald Sabitzer Laimer Schmid
Forwards	Lautaro Martínez Messi	Arnautovic

Tactical analysis: Messi remains the difference-maker

Argentina showed that they remain a very solid and committed team that does not allow many clear chances to their opponents. In addition, they possess the ultimate difference-maker. Leo Messi continues to be the player who makes the difference. The Argentine star demonstrated that his quality remains intact and that every time he gets a chance to shoot on goal, he remains lethal. It is the ideal game plan for Scaloni.

Get Bonus

Austria are expected to press high in order to disrupt Argentina’s build-up play and prevent Messi from becoming involved. The Europeans know that if the Argentine captain receives the ball in the final third, he can be extremely dangerous. Argentina are expected to dominate midfield against an Austria side that knows its key match will be against Algeria on the final matchday.

Key players to watch

The players to watch for each team are Messi for Argentina and Laimer for Austria.

Messi (Argentina)

If there is one special and decisive player, it is Messi. Against Algeria in the reigning champions’ opening match, the former Barcelona and PSG player showed that, on the verge of turning 39, he remains Argentina’s key difference-maker. His hat-trick decided the match, and just as happened in Qatar 2022, if Messi performs at his best, Argentina will have a strong chance of going far and dreaming of a fourth star.

Laimer (Austria)

For Austria, meanwhile, the player who can influence the team’s overall performance is Laimer. The Bayern Munich midfielder has the experience and quality required to lead his national team. His role in pressing and distributing the ball in midfield could be crucial if Austria are to control phases of the match and keep Messi away from dangerous areas.

Market analysis and odds

This second match of the 2026 World Cup appears more challenging than Argentina’s opener. Even so, Lionel Scaloni’s side are superior to Austria.

If they perform at a high level, they should secure all three points. This is reflected by bookmakers and the current 2026 World Cup odds, which place an Argentina victory between 1.57 and 1.65.

Get Bonus

At the same time, the markets are not expecting a high-scoring match. In fact, they favor the “Both Teams to Score – No” market, priced between 1.73 and 1.81.

There is still time to take advantage of the best bonuses and offers for betting on the 2026 World Cup. Check the available benefits for new users and get an extra boost before they expire.

Final prediction

It looks set to be a serious contest, with Austria putting up a fight and applying plenty of pressure. Even so, Argentina appear to have more experience and firepower. If Messi shows up, the balance will most likely tip in their favor.

Our Argentina vs Austria prediction and odds are now available on BetBrothers. Find out which team has the better chance of winning and discover the best opportunities to place your 2026 World Cup bets below 👇