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Argentina and Austria meet at Dallas Stadium on Monday with a place in the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds potentially on the line.
La Albiceleste sit top of Group J after winning their opening match against Algeria, while Austria also have three points following victory over Jordan.
Victory for Lionel Scaloni's side would guarantee progression to the round of 32 and strengthen their grip on first place. Austria, meanwhile, know another positive result would leave them in a strong position to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 1982.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best free bet offers world cup.
Argentina vs Austria key stats
- Argentina have scored the first goal in each of their last eight matches.
- Austria have won their last four games.
- Four of Argentina's last five matches have produced Over 2.5 goals.
Argentina vs Austria preview: Can the defending champions maintain their winning run?
| Argentina | vs | Austria |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FIFA Ranking | 24 |
| Lionel Messi (200) | Most Caps | Marko Arnautovic (134) |
| Lionel Messi (120) | Most Goals | Marko Arnautovic (48) |
| 1267 | Total Caps | 1019 |
| 226 | Total Goals | 151 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
Lionel Messi produced one of the performances of the opening round, scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria to put the defending champions in control of Group J.
The 38-year-old now stands just one goal away from becoming the outright leading scorer in World Cup history, adding another layer of intrigue to Monday's encounter.
Argentina head into the contest on an outstanding run of form, having won each of their last eight matches while conceding more than once only twice during that period.
Lionel Scaloni is unlikely to make major changes, with Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez expected to continue in midfield behind Messi.
Austria also opened their campaign with a win, beating Jordan 3-1 thanks to goals from Michael Gregoritsch and Marko Arnautovic, along with a crucial own goal in the final quarter of the match.
Despite some defensive lapses in their opener, Ralf Rangnick's side have conceded more than once in just one of their last 18 matches.
Das Team have also scored at least two goals in four of their last six competitive fixtures and will believe they can trouble the world champions.
Stefan Posch is a doubt with a broken jaw, meaning Konrad Laimer could switch to right-back, while Arnautovic will push for a starting berth after scoring from the bench against Jordan.
Argentina vs Austria form guide & betting tips
| Argentina | vs | Austria |
|---|---|---|
WWWWW |
Form | DWWWW |
| 15 | Goals For | 11 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 3 |
W |
WORLD CUP | W |
Whispers predicts: Argentina 2-1 Austria
Argentina have won each of their last eight matches and are showing all the signs of a side capable of defending their crown. With momentum firmly behind La Scaloneta, Argentina to Win at 7/12 (1.58) looks like a solid starting point.
La Scaloneta have been ahead at the break in each of their last eight matches, highlighting their ability to put opponents under pressure from the outset. As a result, Argentina to Win the First Half at 23/20 (2.15) stands out as an attractive bet.
Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a hat-trick in Argentina's opening fixture and will be eager to continue that form against Austria. The captain is priced at 11/10 (2.10) to score anytime, and that looks generous given his recent display.
Austria have scored in each of their last five matches and possess enough attacking quality to trouble the world champions. While Argentina have kept four consecutive clean sheets, we are predicting a 2-1 victory for La Albiceleste, making BTTS – Yes at 21/20 (2.05) another appealing selection.
> Argentina win at 7/12 (1.58) | Likelihood: Probable
> HT winner: Argentina at 23/20 (2.15) | Likelihood: [LIKELIHOOD]
> Lionel Messi to score anytime at 11/10 (2.1) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 goals at 1/1 (2.0) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 21/20 (2.05) | Likelihood: Probable