Argentina will face Austria in their Group J finale at the 2026 World Cup, and my predictions are that Argentina will win 2-0 and seal first place. I covered all the info you need to know ahead of the game.
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Argentina will close out Group J against Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Monday, June 22 (1:00 PM ET). What makes this fixture so exciting is that these two teams have never met in a competitive match. In fact, they haven’t shared a pitch in 36 years, dating back to a 1-1 friendly draw in May 1990. Now, Lionel Scaloni has come in with a world-championship caliber squad, having scored 9 goals in 3.44 xG through their pre-tournament fixtures. Check out our full World Cup predictions hub for coverage of every Group J fixture.
Who Will Win Argentina vs Austria?
Argentina should handle this one comfortably. Scaloni’s side hasn’t lost since the 2024 Copa América, they’ve put 9 past their last 3 opponents, and Austria are missing Wöber at the back. US-licensed sportsbooks have the Argentina moneyline at -165 on both FanDuel and BetMGM, with Double Chance at -625 as the safest entry on the Argentina vs Austria odds.
Top 3 Picks for Argentina vs Austria
| Pick 1: Double Chance Argentina or Tie | Pick 2: First Team to Score Argentina | Pick 3: BTTS & Either Team to Win Yes |
|---|---|---|
|
-625 |
-200 |
+195 |
Pick 1: Double Chance Argentina or Tie at -625
Argentina haven’t lost a World Cup group-stage match since the Saudi Arabia shock in 2022. This squad is deeper, more confident, and Austria have never beaten Argentina in any match, ever. I went through Scaloni’s full tournament record and they’ve dropped group-stage points exactly once under him. At -625, the floor is about as safe as it gets for this Argentina vs Austria prediction.
Pick 2: First Team to Score Argentina at -200
Argentina drew first blood in all 3 of their pre-tournament friendlies, creating 2 or 3 sharp chances in the opening 20 minutes. Rangnick’s system presses high but leaves pockets of space behind the midfield that Messi feasts on. Argentina scoring first at -200 is the cleanest entry point in this Argentina vs Austria prediction.
Pick 3: BTTS and Either Team to Win Yes at +195
Austria put up 7 goals across their last 3 outings, and the 5-1 over Ghana showed they can hurt you when the game opens up. Baumgartner’s movement between the lines is sharp, and Argentina conceded in 2 of their last 3 friendlies. Both teams finding the net in a match one side still wins is sitting at +195. Visit our how to bet guide for staking basics.
Argentina vs Austria Odds Comparison
| Sportsbook | Argentina Win | Draw | Austria Win |
|---|---|---|---|
| -165 | +280 | +410 | |
| -165 | +250 | +360 | |
| TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| TBA | TBA | TBA |
FanDuel and BetMGM are both at -165 on Argentina, but the draw market shows a gap: +280 at FanDuel versus +250 at BetMGM. I checked both books on May 23 and the Argentina line hadn’t budged in 72 hours, which usually means sharp money has settled. Always compare FanDuel Argentina vs Austria odds against BetMGM Argentina vs Austria lines before you lock anything in.
Argentina and Austria Recent Form
Looking beneath the surface, the recent form of both sides tells two very different stories. While Argentina’s numbers are undoubtedly impressive, they are somewhat skewed by the limited quality of their opposition. Austria followed up a devastating display against Ghana with a flat performance against South Korea. That inconsistency matters for this Argentina vs Austria prediction. For Group J context and standings, see our groups hub.
Argentina Recent Performance
Argentina’s last 3 results ahead of this Argentina vs Austria prediction:
- Argentina 5-0 Zambia (Friendly, April 1, 2026)
- Argentina 2-1 Mauritania (Friendly, March 27, 2026)
- Angola 0-2 Argentina (Friendly, November 14, 2025)
Nine goals from 3.44 combined xG. That’s a conversion rate nearly triple their expected output, which is a clip that obviously won’t hold forever, but one that speaks volumes about the finishing quality in this squad. The Zambia game was basically a training session from kickoff. I tracked every Argentina result under Scaloni this cycle and the team hasn’t lost a single match since the 2024 Copa América.
Austria Recent Performance
Austria’s last 3 results heading into Argentina vs Austria:
- Austria 1-0 South Korea (Friendly, March 31, 2026)
- Austria 5-1 Ghana (Friendly, March 27, 2026)
- Austria 1-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina (WC Qualifier, November 18, 2025)
Take the Ghana result out and the picture changes completely. You’re left with 0.63 xG against South Korea and a draw against Bosnia. Rangnick’s press created volume against Ghana’s high line, but South Korea sat deep and Austria couldn’t break through. Danso and Alaba are still a solid center-back pairing despite Wöber’s absence.
Argentina vs Austria Match Details
By the time this kicks off, both teams will know where they stand in Group J. Argentina will want top spot. Austria will treat this as a statement match. Expect Scaloni to control things from the first whistle, with Argentina dominating the ball. Austria will press early and settle into a mid-block once legs tire. For the full tournament picture, check our 2026 World Cup betting hub.
Where to Watch Argentina vs Austria
- TV / Streaming: FOX (English), Telemundo and Universo (Spanish)
- Argentina vs Austria live stream: FOX One, FOX Sports App, Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, Sling Blue
- Kickoff: Monday, June 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 10:00 AM PT
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group J, Matchday 3
Argentina and Austria Projected Lineups
Not a lot of mystery here. Scaloni’s 4-3-3 has been set in stone since Qatar, and the only real absence is Foyth. Rangnick goes with his 4-2-3-1 but loses Wöber at the back, which narrows his defensive options heading into the Argentina vs Austria lineup for this Group J decider.
Argentina Projected Starting XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
|
Goalkeeper (GK) |
Emiliano Martínez |
|
Defenders (back 4) |
Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico |
|
Midfielders |
Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández |
|
Forwards |
Lionel Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez |
|
Formation |
4-3-3 |
|
Unavailable |
Juan Foyth (out, Achilles tendon rupture) |
|
Head coach |
Lionel Scaloni |
The 4-3-3 flips into a 4-1-4-1 without the ball, with De Paul dropping next to Enzo to screen the center-backs. In possession, Messi drifts right and Tagliafico pushes up to create a fluid 3-2-5. I confirmed squad availability through the AFA’s pre-tournament announcement.
Austria Projected Starting XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
|
Goalkeeper (GK) |
Patrick Pentz |
|
Defenders (back 4) |
Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba, Phillipp Mwene |
|
Midfielders |
Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager, Marcel Sabitzer |
|
Forwards |
Patrick Wimmer, Christoph Baumgartner, Michael Gregoritsch |
|
Formation |
4-2-3-1 |
|
Unavailable |
Maximilian Wöber (out, injury) |
|
Head coach |
Ralf Rangnick |
Rangnick’s 4-2-3-1 runs on aggressive pressing triggers and quick vertical play. Seiwald and Schlager sit as the double pivot, with Sabitzer free to roam. Baumgartner’s the one to watch, operating between Argentina’s midfield and back line. I checked the ÖFB squad announcement and Wöber was the only name ruled out.
Suspensions and Injuries
- Argentina: Juan Foyth (out, Achilles tendon rupture)
- Austria: Maximilian Wöber (out, injury)
Neither absence changes the expected starting XI. Foyth’s a useful right-back option but Molina starts regardless. Wöber’s more significant for Austria’s depth, leaving Rangnick with limited center-back rotation. Austria’s bench takes the bigger hit here.
Key Matchups in Argentina vs Austria
Three individual battles will shape whether this game goes to script or whether Rangnick pulls off something nobody’s expecting.
Messi vs Kevin Danso
When Messi drifts into the right half-space, Danso faces an impossible choice: step out and leave space behind for Álvarez, or hold his line and let Messi turn and shoot. Danso’s physical and aggressive, but he’s not built for chasing a player who lives in the gaps between defensive lines.
Nahuel Molina vs Phillipp Mwene
Molina overlapping while Messi cuts inside creates a permanent 2v1 that Mwene can’t handle alone. Austria’s left side was already their weakest area against South Korea, and the jump in quality from a South Korean winger to Messi plus Molina is massive. This is where most of Argentina’s chances will come from.
Christoph Baumgartner vs Argentina’s midfield
If Austria are going to create anything, it runs through Baumgartner. His movement between the lines is smart and well-timed, and if Mac Allister or De Paul switch off, he’s the player most likely to manufacture something against the run of play.
Set pieces
Alaba and Danso give Austria a real aerial threat from dead balls. Otamendi’s still Argentina’s go-to target from corners. Argentina overhauled their set-piece coaching after the 2024 Copa América and scored from designed routines in 2 of their last 3 friendlies. Rangnick’s pressing style generates fouls at an above-average clip.
Coaching and Tactical Tendencies
Argentina tempo and pressing
Scaloni’s approach changes depending on the opponent. Against weaker teams, Argentina build patiently. Against better sides, the press picks up in the opponent’s defensive third, with De Paul and Mac Allister leading the charge while Messi saves his energy for transitions.
Austria tactical setup
Rangnick’s 4-2-3-1 is all about vertical speed and aggressive ball recovery. The expectation is to win the ball back within 8 seconds or drop into a mid-block. Against Argentina’s quality in tight spaces, that mid-block phase is going to dominate the second half.
Substitution patterns
Scaloni usually makes his first change around the 60th minute, often pulling Messi if the result’s in hand. Rangnick is more aggressive, making double or triple subs between 55 and 65 minutes. If Austria are chasing, expect Gregoritsch to drop deeper and a fresh wide attacker to come on.
Set-piece coaching
Argentina have a dedicated set-piece analyst on Scaloni’s staff and scored from designed corner routines against both Zambia and Mauritania. Austria defend set pieces zonally, which hasn’t been tested against the physical quality of Romero and Otamendi.
Player Props to Consider
Anytime goalscorer
Lautaro Martínez anytime goalscorer. He’s scored in 4 of his last 6 international appearances and leads the squad for shots per 90. With Austria’s defense preoccupied tracking Messi, Lautaro’s blindside runs into the box are going to be tough to pick up.
Player shots on target
Messi over 1.5 shots on target. He averaged 2.3 shots on target per 90 across the last 3 friendlies, and Rangnick’s system invites ball-carriers to shoot from the edge of the area. Messi converts those looks at a rate that makes this bet worthwhile.
Total cards
Over 3.5 total cards. Austria averaged 2.7 bookings per match in World Cup qualifying, and Rangnick’s aggressive press generates fouls by design. Argentina’s midfield isn’t shy about tactical fouling either. The match profile points firmly toward 4+ cards.
Corners
Over 8.5 total corners. Argentina’s width through Molina and Tagliafico generates corner volume naturally, averaging 6.3 per game from their side alone across the last 3 matches. Austria’s zonal defending tends to deflect crosses behind for additional corners.
Argentina vs Austria Bet Builder
| Leg 1, Match Result | Argentina to win |
| Leg 2, Goal market | Over 1.5 goals |
| Leg 3, Player prop | Lautaro Martínez anytime goalscorer |
| Combined odds | ~+250 (verify on FanDuel or BetMGM bet builder) |
| Rationale | Argentina winning with 2+ goals is the baseline here. Lautaro’s penalty-area movement against an Austrian back line distracted by Messi makes him the natural scorer from open play. All 3 legs feed into the same story: Argentina control the game, goals come, and Lautaro cashes in on Messi’s gravity. |
Where to Bet on Argentina vs Austria
These are the US-licensed sportsbooks with the widest coverage for this Group J finale.
FanDuel
21+ in OH. $5 min deposit req. Bonus Bets non-withdrawable, expire 7 days after receipt. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
FanDuel’s got deep pre-match and in-play coverage for Argentina vs Austria, with SGP options already live. I checked the platform on May 23 and counted over 40 individual markets. The in-play feed refreshes faster than any other US book I’ve tested on World Cup matches.
BetMGM
21+ in OH. $10 min bet req. Bonus Bets non-withdrawable, expire 7 days after receipt. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
BetMGM matches FanDuel at -165 on Argentina. The edit bet feature lets you tweak a same-game parlay after kickoff without killing the whole slip. I tested BetMGM’s live odds refresh during the March window and it clocked in under 3 seconds. For the BTTS and Either Team to Win market at +195, BetMGM’s the first book I’d check.
Other Sportsbooks
- DraftKings: Lines weren’t live when I checked on May 23, but the Group J section was structured and waiting for final pricing. The bet builder supports up to 6 legs per fixture.
- Caesars: Also pending at verification. Coverage typically includes 1X2, Asian handicap, goal totals and player props once markets go live.
Final Pick Will Argentina Beat Austria?
- Final prediction: Argentina 2-0 Austria
- Confidence level: Strong lean
- Best bet: First Team to Score Argentina at -200 (FanDuel / BetMGM)
The class gap here is clear. Argentina have the most prolific attack at this tournament and a midfield that’s going to suffocate Austria’s transition game. Messi drifting right, Molina overlapping behind him, and Lautaro arriving late into the box has taken apart better defenses than Austria’s this cycle. First Team to Score at -200 gives you the purest read on that dominance. BTTS and Either Team to Win at +195 is the value companion pick. I’m projecting 2-0.
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Argentina vs Austria FAQ
Who will win Argentina vs Austria?
Argentina, and it shouldn’t be close. Scaloni’s side is unbeaten in this preparation cycle, they’ve put 9 goals past their last 3 opponents, and the squad’s playing with the kind of confidence you only get from winning a World Cup and a Copa América back to back. Our Argentina vs Austria prediction is 2-0 Argentina.
What is the prediction for Argentina vs Austria?
Argentina 2-0 Austria. Scaloni’s 4-3-3 should dominate possession and create more than enough chances, while Austria’s struggles against compact, quality opposition, 0.63 xG against South Korea, suggest they won’t find a way through Romero and Otamendi.
What are the best bets for Argentina vs Austria?
The 3 top picks are Double Chance Argentina or Tie at -625, First Team to Score Argentina at -200, and BTTS & Either Team to Win Yes at +195. The first two lean into Argentina’s dominance, while the third offers value if you think Austria’s pressing can force a goal against the run of play.
What are the best Argentina vs Austria odds?
FanDuel and BetMGM both sit at -165 on the Argentina moneyline. For the draw, FanDuel leads at +280 versus BetMGM’s +250. Austria outright pays +410 at FanDuel and +360 at BetMGM. DraftKings and Caesars lines were still pending when I last checked. Must be 21+ to wager.
What is the Argentina vs Austria head-to-head record?
They’ve only met twice, and both were friendlies. Argentina won 5-1 in May 1980 and the sides drew 1-1 in May 1990. This will be their first-ever competitive match, which makes the head-to-head record pretty much useless for prediction purposes.
When is Argentina vs Austria being played?
Monday, June 22, 2026. Kickoff is 1:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM CT, and 10:00 AM PT. It’s the Matchday 3 finale for both sides in Group J.
Where is Argentina vs Austria being played?
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. It holds over 80,000 and is one of the biggest venues hosting the 2026 World Cup.
What channel is Argentina vs Austria on?
FOX has the English broadcast, Telemundo and Universo cover in Spanish. For streaming, you’ve got FOX One, the FOX Sports App, Peacock, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo and Sling Blue.
Will both teams score in Argentina vs Austria?
It’s possible but not the base case. Austria managed just 0.63 xG against South Korea and their attacking output drops off sharply against sides that control the ball. Our primary call is a 2-0 Argentina clean sheet, but BTTS & Either Team to Win at +195 is a live value option if you think Baumgartner can nick one.
Where can I bet on Argentina vs Austria?
Any US-licensed sportsbook will have this covered. FanDuel and BetMGM both had live odds as of May 23 with over 40 markets each. DraftKings and Caesars are expected to open lines closer to kickoff. Must be 21+ to place legal sports wagers.
