Argentina vs Austria, FIFA World Cup, 2026, Today Match Prediction

Argentina vs Austria Match Prediction & Analysis

After a clinical victory over Algeria, defending champions Argentina head to Darlington with the opportunity to secure their place in the Round of 32. Having suffered a shock defeat in their opening match at Qatar 2022, getting off to a winning start this time around will have only strengthened their belief.

Austria, too, began their campaign with a 3-1 win over Jordan. Yet, despite the scoreline, the contest was far more competitive than it appeared. Still, three points are three points, and Ralf Rangnick's side will know they must raise their level considerably if they are to tame the world champions.

Head-to-Head Record -  Argentina have won one, drawn one, and lost one of the three matches played between the teams.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Argentina Preview

Argentina's opening-day victory belonged to Lionel Messi. Any lingering doubts over the 39-year-old were emphatically put to rest as he produced a stunning hat-trick—his first ever in a World Cup match. 

While Algeria's goalkeeper might have done better on a couple of occasions, there was no stopping the sublime third goal, vintage Messi in every sense. In the process, he also drew level with Miroslav Klose atop the all-time World Cup scoring charts, throwing down the gauntlet to the rest of the tournament's stars.

As for Argentina, it was as though they had never left Lusail. Every starter had been part of the 2022 World Cup squad, and Lionel Scaloni's side barely missed a beat. Montiel was the only player who struggled, but true to his reputation, Scaloni acted decisively at half-time by introducing Molina.

It was a quintessential Argentina performance—slick passing, relentless physicality and complete control. The reigning champions began their title defence in ideal fashion, not allowing a single shot on target throughout the match.

Key Players 

Beyond Messi, Rodrigo De Paul also stepped up when it mattered most. Coming into the opener under scrutiny, he answered with a commanding midfield display, controlling the tempo and delivering the line-breaking pass that set up Messi’s opening goal.

Team News 

Nicolás Tagliafico remains Argentina's only major fitness concern ahead of the upcoming clash. The experienced full-back also sat out the opener as he continues his recovery, and his availability for the next match remains uncertain.

Argentina Probable Starting Lineup 

Emi Martinez; (GK); Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Almada, Messi, Lautaro  Martinez.

Austria Preview

Austria marked their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a satisfying 3-1 victory, their first win on football's biggest stage in 36 years. Yet it was harder than the scoreline suggests. 

A blistering start, built on intense pressing and quick transitions, yielded a stunning opener from Romano Schmid, but chances were otherwise scarce, with Austria ending the first half with an xG of just 0.27.

Jordan's equaliser sparked Ralf Rangnick's side into life, and they responded with two second-half goals, both stemming from a set-piece and a penalty. The introduction of the evergreen Marko Arnautović proved pivotal. 

The 37-year-old changed the tempo of the game, had a goal ruled out by VAR, forced an own goal with his movement in the box, and eventually got on the scoresheet from the penalty spot.

With three points already secured, Austria can approach the Argentina clash without desperation. But if they are to spring an upset, they will first have to find an answer to the Lionel Messi problem.

Key Players 

There were plenty of standout displays for Austria, but Alexander Schlager was a rock between the posts. The 29-year-old came up big in the first half with a string of vital saves to frustrate Jordan, finishing with three crucial stops that proved instrumental in securing Austria's long-awaited World Cup triumph.

Team News 

Austria were hit by an injury setback against Jordan, with Stefan Posch suffering a broken jaw. Though he has not been ruled out of the tournament, his return date remains uncertain. 

Austria  Probable Starting Lineup 

A Schlager (GK); Laimer, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; X Schalger, Seiwald, Schmid, Sabitzer, Gregoritsch, Arnautovic. 

ARGENTINA vs AUSTRIA
Winning Prediction

Argentina head into this clash as overwhelming favourites, backed by superior quality, experience and an eight-match winning streak in which they have yet to concede. Austria, however, possess the pace and intensity to unsettle any defence, with their counter-attacking threat seen as one of the few ways to trouble the Albiceleste. 

Yet with Lionel Scaloni's tactical acumen and Argentina's wealth of experience, the reigning world champions are expected to have the edge in what should be a fascinating contest.

Argentina  are overwhelming favorites to win the match according to bookmakers, with one of the sites backing them to win at odds of 1.57  to Austria’s 5.80 and 4.00 for a draw. 

Argentina to win (2-0).

1xBet

330% up to ₹65,000 on your 1st Deposit with Reg Code: TOPBK

BET NOW