Argentina vs Austria | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group Stage | Preview and Predictions

The defending champions Argentina will face European opponent Austria in their second group stage game in Group J, to be played on 22nd June at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 

For the game, here we present our preview and prediction.

FIFA WC26 | Group J: ARG vs AUT | 22:30 IST, June 22, 2026

Argentina opened their World Cup campaign in style with the main-man Lionel Messi scoring a hattrick against African side Algeria and propelling his side to an important win. With this fabulous hattrick, Messi also became the joint top-scorer at the World Cup alongside Miroslav Klose of Germany. With this game, Messi also became the first player to feature in six different World Cup editions. Although there was a controversial call involved as he got away with a poor challenge on Algerian defender Aissa Mandi. The calf stomp on Mandi could have caused serious injury and was a definite red card offence. Algeria felt hard done by as it had happened before he scored the other two goals. Having said that, Algeria hardly had any chance and were completely outplayed by Argentina. 

As for Austria, they won their opening game against World Cup debutants Jordan and battled to  a 3-1 win. Romano Schmid scored a banger to give the Austrians an opening goal within 20 minutes but Jordan’s Ali Iyad Olwan scored a superb goal of his own to equalise early in the second half. However, Jordan didn’t take advantage of the momentum shift and a piece of fortune helped Austria as Yazan Abu Al-Arab put one in his own net. A late penalty from Marko Arnautovic finally sealed Jordan’s fate as they lost their debut game at the World Cup. 

Argentina still has most of their 2022 World Cup winning squad intact which makes them a very dangerous opponent. Winning the first game would have boosted their confidence and with Messi looking lethal, it’s not great news for the Austrians. However, Austria do have a solid defence,  dangerous players in attack and Ralf Ragnick is an experienced coach. This game holds a lot of importance as whoever wins this game will ensure qualification to the Round of 32 with a game left to play. 

Argentina has an injury issue with Gonzalo Montiel not available due to a muscle injury while Austria has a fully fit squad. Looking at the two sides, Argentina are the definite favourites on the basis of both form and quality of players. They cannot underestimate Austria though as they are an experienced World Cup side. This could be a tight and cagey affair but Argentina would most likely win and secure the Round of 32 qualification. 

Score Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Austria 

Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA