Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick of goals in Argentina’s opening clash against Algeria, will be back in action on Monday, June 22. Argentina will take on Austria in a Group J clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Lionel Messi once again showed why age is just a number with a stunning performance against Algeria in Kansas City. The 38-year-old, playing in his sixth FIFA World Cup, scored a brilliant hat-trick to guide Argentina to a comfortable win.
However, Austria is expected to provide a much tougher challenge. Ralf Rangnick’s side began their campaign with an impressive victory over Jordan and will be full of confidence heading into this clash.
With both teams winning their opening matches, another victory here would put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stage.
Argentina vs Austria: Team News
Argentina could be without right-back Gonzalo Montiel, who sustained a hamstring injury. If he is not fit to play, Nahuel Molina is expected to start in his place.
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Meanwhile, Austria also suffered a major setback, with Stefan Posch likely to miss the match after suffering a broken jaw. In attack, experienced striker Marko Arnautovic is pushing for a place in the starting XI after coming on as a substitute against Jordan.
Argentina vs Austria: Head-to-Head
Argentina and Austria have faced each other in a friendly twice, with Argentina winning 5-1 in 1980, while a 1-1 draw 10 years later. However, both sides have never met in a competitive fixture.
Argentina vs Austria: Recent form
Both sides will enter the match in impressive form, as Lionel Messi’s side has won eight matches, with a clean sheet in seven of those eight games, highlighting their excellent defensive form.
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Argentina: W-W-W-W-W
Meanwhile, Austria has been enjoying a winning streak, with victories in all pre-World Cup friendlies.
Austria: W-W-W-W-D
Group J standings
Argentina and Austria are placed in Group J alongside Algeria and Jordan. Both Argentina and Austria have three points, while Lionel Messi’s side leads the table with one goal difference. Jordan holds the third spot, and Algeria is at the bottom.
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will qualify for the knockout stage. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also be the first edition to feature a “Round of 32”, following the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams.
Argentina vs Austria FIFA World Cup 2026 Predictions
Argentina will head into their second group stage match following an outstanding show in their opener against Algeria. With Lionel Messi leading the attack and the team winning eight matches in a row while keeping seven clean sheets, they look well-equipped to overcome an Austria side that has also impressed in recent months. Austria had the quality to make the contest competitive, especially on the counter-attack, but Argentina’s defensive solidity and attacking depth should prove decisive.
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Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Austria.
Argentina and Austria Probable starting XI
Argentina Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Emi Martínez
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Captain), Lautaro Martínez
Austria Probable starting XI
Goalkeeper: Alexander Schlager
Defenders: Konrad Laimer, Philipp Lienhart, David Alaba (Captain), Philipp Mwene
Midfielders: Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager, Romano Schmid, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marcel Sabitzer
Forward: Sasa Kalajdzic
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1.What time does the Argentina vs Austria FIFA World Cup 2026 match kick off?
The Group J match kicks off at 12 p.m. Local time / 17:00 GMT / 10:30 p.m. IST
2. Where will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match between Argentina vs Austria take place?
The match will take place at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA
3. How to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Argentina vs Austria?
United States – FOX Network, fuboTV, Telemundo, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, FOX One
Canada – TSN+, TSN1, TSN4, TSN5, RDS, CTV, RDS App, CTV App, Crave
México – Canal 5 Televisa, TUDN, Azteca 7, TUDN En Vivo, Las Estrellas, Azteca Deportes En Vivo, ViX México
United Kingdom – BBC Sport Web, BBC One, BBC iPlayer
Argentina – Telefe, TV Publica, and TyC Sports (2pm Argentina Time)
Austria – ORF and ServusTV (7pm, Central European Summer Time)
India – Unite8 Sports Channel
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Five Historic Milestones Lionel Messi Can Break
