Argentina continue the defence of their World Cup crown against Austria next week. Inspired by Lionel Messi in their opening game of the 2026 tournament, Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 with their talismanic captain scoring a stunning hat-trick.
As such, Messi moved level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose for most goals scored in World Cup history (16), meaning he needs one more to hold the record outright. Ultimately, Lionel Scaloni’s side know victory is the most important to seal a place in the round of 32 with a game to spare, potentially sealing top spot in the process.
Austria, meanwhile, marked their return to the global stage after a 28-year absence with a 3-1 win over tournament debutants Jordan to move level on points with Argentina at the top of Group J.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Argentina vs Austria is scheduled for a 6pm BST kick-off on Monday, June 22, 2026. The match will take place at the Dallas Stadium in Texas.
Where to watch Argentina vs Austria for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on BBC One with coverage starting at 5.30pm BST. Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via BBC iPlayer or the BBC website. Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog. Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA’s official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer / ITVX app and their websites.
Argentina vs Austria team news
Gonzalo Montiel has been ruled out of the Austria game through injury, meaning Scaloni will be forced into at least one change from the win over Algeria. Nahuel Molina is the most likely replacement at right-back, while Julian Alvarez is pushing to join Messi in attack.
Argentina squad: Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli. Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina. Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Rodrigo De Paul, Thiago Almada, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolas Gonzalez, Nicolas Paz, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Valentin Barco. Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Jose Manuel Lopez, Giuliano Simeone.
Austria could change things around for the showdown against the reigning world champions, with Tottenham defender Kevin Danso pushing for a start which could see captain David Alaba move out to left-back. Veteran forward Marko Arnautovic came off the bench to score against Jordan in stoppage-time, but it remains to be seen if he will be upgraded to a starter.
Austria squad: Goalkeepers: Alexander Schlager, Florian Wiegele, Patrick Pentz. Defenders: David Affengruber, Kevin Danso, Stefan Posch, David Alaba, Philipp Lienhart, Phillipp Mwene, Alexander Prass, Marco Friedel, Michael Svoboda. Midfielders: Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald, Marcel Sabitzer, Florian Grillitsch, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romano Schmid, Christoph Baumgartner, Konrad Laimer, Patrick Wimmer, Paul Wanner, Alessandro Schopf. Forwards: Marko Arnautovic, Michael Gregoritsch, Sasa Kalajdzic.
Argentina vs Austria prediction
With progression to the round of 32 at stake, this should be an open game. That said, those in attendance at the Dallas Stadium and others watching around the world only want to see one thing: Messi become the all-time World Cup top scorer. We think he will get at least one goal to move above Klose in the standings, leading his nation to a narrow win over Austria. Argentina to win, 2-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Argentina wins: 1. Austria wins: 1. Draws: 1.
Argentina vs Austria match odds
Argentina to win: 4/9. Austria to win: 5/1. Draw: 12/5. Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change).
