Preview: Argentina vs Austria prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

La Albiceleste eye becoming Group J toppers with win over Ralf Ragnick’s Austria

Flanked by the historic Trinity River basin, Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium) in Inglewood, USA, gears up to host a highly anticipated Group J fixture of Match Week 2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where defending champions Argentina take on Austria in what is set to be a thrilling battle.

Group J saw a total of seven goals in two games in the opening matchweek. With wins over Algeria and Jordan, Argentina and Austria are atop the points table with 3 points each. The winner of the game will qualify directly for the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Defying the infamous Champions Curse, La Albiceleste could not have asked for a better start after thrashing Algeria 3-0, courtesy of a hat-trick from Lionel Messi on his 200th cap, which puts him just one goal away from becoming the all-time highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.

They are led by Lionel Scaloni, who aims to become the first manager after Vittorio Pozzo in 1938 to clinch back-to-back World Cup trophies. The road, however, won’t be easy as they face the European outfit Austria in a crucial game to decide the table toppers of Group G.

The 24th-ranked team in the world, Austria are off to a brilliant start, following their 3-1 win over debutants Jordan in the opening matchweek. Werder Bremen star Schmid and Austria’s all-time leading goalscorer, Marko Arnautovic, scored that stoppage-time penalty to seal all three points for Das Team.

They are led by the legendary Ralf Ragnick, who has immense experience coaching top European teams like Manchester United and RB Leipzig, and has completely transformed Das Team’s identity from a passive to a fearless group of players, who are hungry to score goals and win games.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Arlington, Texas, USA
• Stadium: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium)
• Date: Monday, June 22
• Kick-off time: 5 p.m. BST [10:30 p.m. IST, Monday, June 22 / 12 p.m. local CDT]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Argentina (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W

Austria (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-D

Players to Watch

Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina)

Son of a former footballer, Carlos Mac Allister, who shared the pitch alongside Diego Maradona, Alexis Mac Allister is coming after a productive spell with Liverpool. He was Argetina’s unsung hero in Qatar 2022, who even gave that assist to Angel Di Maria in the Finals against France.

He played the entire 90 minutes for La Albiceleste in their 3-0 win over Algeria in the opening matchweek. He is the creative heartbeat of the team, who also offers defensive stability in the midfield.

Marcel Sabitzer (Austria)

Destiny couldn’t have chosen a better stage than the FIFA World Cup for Sabitzer to make his 100th international appearance for the Austria national team. Sabitzer had a great start in the opening matchweek against Jordan, where Austria won 3-1.

He brings that European pedigree, having previously played for top teams like Manchester United, Bayern Munich and also knows Ragnick since his Leipzig days.

Match Facts

• These two sides will lock horns with each other for the first time ever in FIFA World Cup
• Austria and Argentina last played two friendlies back in early 80s and 90s
• Diego Maradona is the leading goalscorer in this fixture.

Argentina vs Austria: Betting Tips and Odds

• Argentina to win the game – 4/7 with Betfred
• Lionel Messi to score – 19/20 with Betfred
• Argentina 2-1 Austria – 7/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Lionel Scaloni have no injury concerns and after that brilliant win over Algeria, he may chose to field the same playing eleven to take on Austria.

Austria also do not have injury concerns. David Alaba and Lienhart at the back look like a very solid defensive duo. Laimer and Sabitzer is in excellent form and will be tasked with the responsibility to create chances.

Head-to-Head

Total games: 02

Argentina won: 01

Austria won: 00

Matches drawn: 01

Predicted Lineups

Argentina predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Emiliano Martínez (GK); Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Gonzalo Montiel; Thiago Almada, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul; Lautaro Martínez, Lionel Messi

Austria predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Alexander Schlager (GK); Stefan Posch, Philipp Lienhart, David Alaba, Phillipp Mwene; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Romano Schmid, Konrad Laimer, Marcel Sabitzer; Sasa Kalajdzic

Match Prediction

Given Argentina’s recent form, it may seem that the defending champions are favourites to win the game, but Austria, under Ralf Rangnick, are a pretty solid team. We expect the game to end in a hard fought win for Argentina.

Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Austria

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.