Defending champions Argentina will look to secure their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 when they take on an in-form Austria in a crucial Group J clash at AT&T Stadium on Monday.
Lionel Messi’s side opened their title defence in emphatic fashion with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, while Austria overcame Jordan 3-1 to make a winning start to their campaign.
With both teams entering the contest on the back of opening-game victories, the winner will take a significant step towards the knockout rounds.
Argentina made a commanding start to their title defence with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria. The reigning world champions displayed their trademark blend of control, creativity and attacking quality, underlining why they remain among the favourites to lift the trophy once again. The match was also memorable for captain Lionel Messi, whose goal saw him draw level with Miroslav Klose among the highest scorers in FIFA World Cup history.
Austria, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence after defeating World Cup debutants Jordan 3-1. Although the scoreline appeared comfortable, Ralf Rangnick’s side were pushed throughout before veteran striker Marko Arnautovic’s stoppage-time penalty sealed the result.
Austria captain David Alaba acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side but insisted Argentina’s threat extends beyond Messi.
“We know what kind of opponent we’re up against, what kind of quality they have in their ranks, even besides Messi, but also what they’re capable of as a team,” Alaba told reporters.
Argentina assistant coach Pablo Aimar also expects a stern examination.
“Austria is a very tough team, as we’re seeing with the vast majority of the teams participating in this World Cup,” Aimar said.
Form Guide
Form guide (last five matches, latest first)
Argentina: W-W-W-W-W
Austria: W-W-W-W-D
Argentina have won their last eight matches and conceded just once during that run, while Austria also enter the contest in excellent form after winning all of their pre-World Cup friendlies and their tournament opener.
Head-to-head
Despite both being established international sides, Argentina and Austria have never met in a competitive fixture.
Their only two previous meetings came in friendlies in Vienna, with Argentina recording a 5-1 victory in 1980 before the teams played out a 1-1 draw a decade later.
Team news
Argentina could be without Gonzalo Montiel, who is struggling with a hamstring issue. Nahuel Molina is expected to deputise should the right-back fail to recover in time.
Austria also has concerns in defence, with Stefan Posch unlikely to feature because of a broken jaw. Arnautovic, who scored off the bench against Jordan, is pushing for a place in the starting XI.
When and where to watch Argentina vs Austria live in India
Date: June 22
Kick-off: 10:30 PM IST
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Live streaming: Zee5
Live telecast: Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD
Argentina vs Austria: Squad
Argentina:
Emi Martinez (goalkeeper); Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi (captain), Lautaro Martinez.
Austria:
Alexander Schlager (goalkeeper); Konrad Laimer, Philipp Lienhart, David Alaba (captain), Philipp Mwene; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Romano Schmid, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marcel Sabitzer; Sasa Kalajdzic.