2026 World Cup: Argentina vs. Austria, Probable Lineups

Argentina and Austria face off at 7 p.m. (Italian time) in a match for the second day of Group J of the 2026 World Cup in North America. In Arlington, the two teams—both winners in their opening matches—will face off: Messi and his teammates handily defeated Algeria thanks to a hat trick by “La Pulga,” while Rangnick’s squad got the better of Jordan. The winner will secure qualification and top the group.

Scaloni is expected to stick with the attacking duo of Lautaro Martínez and Lionel Messi: the Inter striker is likely to have the edge (albeit a slight one) over Julian Álvarez in the race for the starting spot. In midfield, De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Almada will play behind the forwards, with Molina and Medina as the two fullbacks.

Austria will start with Kalajdzic (or Arnautovic) from the 1st minute onward, supported by the attacking midfield trio of Schmid, Chukwuemeka, and Sabitzer. Seiwald and Schlager are the two central midfielders.

Argentina vs. Austria: Probable Lineups
ARGENTINA (4-3-1-2): E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada; Messi, Lautaro Martinez
AUSTRIA (4-2-3-1): A. Schlager; Laimer, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Seiwald, X. Schlager; Schmid, Chukwuemeka, Sabitzer; Kalajdzic