WORLD CUP BETTING PREVIEW - ARGENTINA VS AUSTRIA

World Cup

2026-06-22 - Argentina vs Austria

A Sports Betting Preview by Auls

Argentina vs Austria
Football: World Cup Group J Match Day 2
Monday 22nd June 2026 - Kick Off 12pm (CST)
British Time 6pm

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Argentina

After becoming the first player to appear at six World Cup Finals, Lionel Messi marked the occasion in the only fitting way by scoring his first ever hat-trick in the tournament Finals. Now the all-time World Cup goalscoring record has been tied and Messi also took over from Cristiano Ronaldo as the oldest hat-trick scorer in World Cup Finals history with defending World Champions Argentina benefiting in the 3-0 victory over Algeria.

An early goal had been ruled out for both teams, but Argentina were largely comfortable in Kansas City as they prepare to move to Dallas for the second fixture in the Group. The win puts Argentina firmly on a path to reach the Last 32, but they will want to ride that momentum and win this section with this second Group fixture likely to be pivotal to the outcome of the final standings.

There was plenty to like about Argentina's win over Algeria, especially the balance that was found at both ends of the pitch as they prevented the opponent from having a single shot on target. Bigger tests will come for Argentina if they are going to defend the World Cup, but they did become the first South American side to win at the 2026 tournament.

Both Nicolas Otamendi and Julian Alvarez had to settle for places on the bench, while Nicolas Tagliafico was not able to shake off a knock.

Predicted Line Up: Emi Martinez, Molina, Medina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Mac Allister, Fernandez, De Paul, Alvarez, Messi and Lautaro Martinez (4-2-3-1)

Austria

Some of the European Qualifiers have made slower than hoped starts to the World Cup Finals, but Austria would have been aware that they could not afford to do the same. They opened up Group J with a fixture against what looks to be the weakest team in the section and eventually Austria showed they had enough quality to see off Jordan 3-1 and give themselves a big chance of returning to the Knock Out Rounds of the World Cup.

One more point is still likely to be needed to at least finish with one of the best third place finishing spots in the Last 32, but Ralf Rangnick may be targeting a big upset that would see Austria in command of topping this section. Half time changes helped in the opening game, and the manager and the players are already aware that Austria have drawn the short straw when it comes to Group Stage travel.

On Monday they move from San Francisco to Dallas, but the conditions should be well regulated inside the Stadium to avoid the Midday heat. That should help Austria who will be happy with the opening performance, although perhaps looking to tighten up defensively having looked susceptible to the Jordan counter attack.

Ralf Rangnick made a number of changes before the 60th minute in the win over Jordan and some of those coming into the team did make a positive impact. They will be pushing for starts in the toughest fixture Austria are expected to face within Group J.

Predicted Line Up: Schlager, Posch, Alaba, Lienhart, Mwene, Seiwald, Sabitzer, Chukwuemeke, Laimer, Schmid and Arnautovic (4-2-3-1)

Head to Head

Argentina and Austria have only met in international friendly settings.

The last of those came days before the 1990 World Cup Finals when the nations drew 1-1 in Vienna before travelling to Italy for the tournament.

Prediction

These two nations were tipped up to be the best in this Group J and opening wins for Argentina and Austria by decent margins means they have one foot in the Knock Out Stages.

That does not mean either are going to settle for a point with the team that finishes top of the Group still likely to mean avoiding facing Spain in the next Round.

Both managers will be happy with what they saw on Tuesday in the opening fixture at the 2026 World Cup Finals, but Lionel Scaloni and Ralf Rangnick will also recognise room for improvement.

Lionel Messi was the big influence in Argentina's win over Algeria, while Marko Arnautovic came off the bench to remind Austria of his own veteran leadership skills to help them overcome Jordan.

However, it is Argentina who looked a little more convincing around Messi with the superior chances and the more stubborn defensive shape being on display. Doing that against Algeria rather than Jordan deserves respect and Austria will have to come out with more intensity than they showed at times in the first half of the opening match.

Two years ago, Austria stunned France and the Netherlands in the Group Stage at Euro 2024 by finishing above both, but this is a team that still feels a step below the elite of international football.

This something that should play out on the field and Argentina may have enough firepower to secure another solid win in the Group Stage to almost certainly confirm top spot in this section.

The Pick :

Argentina 2-0 Austria

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Argentina to Win & Over 1 Goal (Bet Builder) at 1.95 with Bet365 (early payout if a team is leading by two goals)