Austria starting lineup vs Argentina confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

Austria returns to the World Cup after 28 years.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is currently underway, with the footballing world witnessing some of the fallen competitors, who mark their return to the competition after decades of absence, delivering impressive performances.

Amongst such teams is Austria, who are set to play a highly anticipated encounter against the reigning champions Argentina, as they battle for top spot in Group J at Dallas Stadium in Texas, USA.

Austria are returning to football’s grandest stage for the first time in 28 years, aiming to prove their international pedigree. Manager Ralf Rangnick will lead Austria, famously referred to as the pioneer of the “Gegenpressing” footballing style.

He has named their strongest squad for the tournament, featuring some of the most promising prospects in modern football. Led by veteran David Alaba, the nation is dubbed as a side capable of producing major upsets. They had an excellent outing to the new campaign, comfortably defeating debutants Jordan 3-1.

They are placed in Group J of the World Cup alongside Algeria and Jordan, considered a great challenge for one of Europe’s most star-studded squads of the tournament. A win tonight confirms them in a top-two spot to qualify automatically for the newly introduced Round of 32.

Austria’s confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Argentina:

Austria (4-2-3-1): Alexander Schlager (GK); Konrad Laimer, Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba (c); Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Romano Schmid,Paul Wanner, Marcel Sabitzer; Michael Gregoritsch.

Substitutes: Patrick Pentz (gk), Florian Wiegele (gk), David Affengruber, Marko Arnautovic, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marco Friedl, Florian Grillitsch, Sasa Kalajdzic, Philipp Lienhart, Dejan Ljubicic, Phillipp Mwene, Alexander Prass, Alessandro Schopf, Michael Svoboda, Patrick Wimmer.

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

Thoughts on the Lineup

Alexander Schlager is confirmed to start between the posts for the Austria national team, with the player being a reliable presence for the side. He will be provided cover by the highly disciplined and physical centre-backs Stefan Posch and Kevin Danso, who will provide defensive stability against elite opposition.

Konrad Laimer, the versatile midfielder, will start at the right-back position to disrupt opposition attacks. Captain David Alaba, normally a centre-back, starts at left-back.

Midfielder Xaver Schlager comes into the midfield role, acting as the primary defensive anchor to shield the defence, along with Nicolas Seiwald, known for breaking up transitions and controlling the tempo from a deeper role. In-form talent Paul Wanner starts in a creative midfielder role, tasked with carrying the ball forward and creating space against a defensively organised Argentinian side.

Michael Gregoritsch will occupy the striker position, trusted after a good domestic season, amassing 13 goal contributions in 31 appearances. The team will utilise Romano Schmid and Marcel Sabitzer, who will start on the right and left flanks, respectively, using their technical skill set to unlock the strong defensive line of Argentina.

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