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

Defending champions Argentina will face European opponents Austria in their second Group J game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be played on June 22 at 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 2026 campaign in style, with main man Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick against Algeria to propel his side to an important win. With his fabulous hat-trick, Messi also became the joint top scorer at the men’s World Cup alongside Miroslav Klose of Germany. He also became the first player to feature in six different men’s World Cup editions.

That said, he was fortunate with one controversial call, as he got away with a poor challenge on Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi. His calf stomp on the 34-year-old could have caused serious injury and was arguably a straight-red-card offence. Algeria felt hard done by the decision, as it happened before Messi scored the other two goals. In reality, though, 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 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 Al-Arab put one in his own net. A late penalty from Marko Arnautovic further sealed Jordan’s fate.

Argentina still have most of their World Cup 2022-winning squad intact, which makes them very dangerous opposition for any team. 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 an experienced coach in Ralf Rangnick. This game holds a lot of importance, as whoever wins this game will ensure qualification for the round of 32 with a game left to play.

Argentina have an injury concern, with Gonzalo Montiel unavailable due to a muscle injury, while Austria have 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 should come out as victors at the end of it and reach the round of 32.

Score Prediction: Argentina 2–1 Austria
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA