Group J | Monday, June 22, 2026 — 1:00 p.m. ET | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Watch live: TSN1, TSN+ (English) | RDS (French)
Argentina and Austria arrive with matching records, but their opening wins told very different stories. Argentina looked ruthless and complete; Austria looked efficient but far less secure.
This meeting could decide Group J early. A win would put either side in command of the section, while Argentina would also move within touching distance of first place. For Austria, the reward would be even bigger: proof that Rangnick’s side can bother the defending champions, not just compete with them.
Argentina: control, quality, and Messi at full force
Argentina’s opening performance against Algeria was a statement. Lionel Messi scored all three goals in a 3-0 win and, in the process, matched Miroslav Klose’s World Cup record of 16 goals. It was Messi’s first World Cup hat trick, and it arrived on the 20th anniversary of his tournament debut.
The numbers behind the performance were just as strong. Messi generated repeated danger with shots, chance creation, and his usual ability to turn tight spaces into scoring chances. Argentina also shut down Algeria completely, allowing no shots on target and rarely looking stressed defensively.
That balance is what makes Argentina so difficult to play against. Lautaro Martínez offers a direct threat up front, while Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, and Rodrigo De Paul give Scaloni a midfield that can both control tempo and support the attack. Argentina are on an eight-match winning run and continue to look like a team built for tournament football.
Austria: organized, dangerous, but not convincing
Austria beat Jordan 3-1, yet the score line covered up plenty of discomfort. Ralf Rangnick’s side scored first through Romano Schmid, but Jordan responded after halftime and forced Austria into a tense final stretch. Marko Arnautovic, brought on at the break, changed the match with his impact from the bench.
Arnautovic helped force an own goal and later converted a stoppage-time penalty, becoming Austria’s oldest World Cup scorer in the process. Even so, Austria’s opening match did not feel like a complete performance. They matched Jordan in shots and shots on target, and they needed extra time on the clock to settle things.
There is still plenty to respect in this team. Rangnick has created a clear pressing identity, and Austria’s recent results show real form. They have won 10 of their last 12 matches overall, and set pieces remain a major strength. That said, facing Argentina is a much harsher exam than facing Jordan.
What decides the match
The key question is whether Austria can make this game messy enough to slow Argentina down. Rangnick’s teams tend to press high and force mistakes, and Austria will likely try to deny Messi easy touches between the lines. If they can keep the match compact and turn it into a battle over second balls and dead-ball situations, they have a chance to stay competitive.
Argentina, however, have too many answers if the game opens up. Messi is one goal from becoming the all-time leading scorer in men’s World Cup history on his own, and he also has a chance to score in six straight World Cup matches, which would place him among the most consistent tournament scorers ever. If Austria lose shape for even a few minutes, Argentina can punish them quickly.
Fitness may also matter. Austria have concerns around David Alaba, Stefan Posch, and Alessandro Schöpf, and any absence or limitation weakens a squad that already needs near-perfect organization to survive a match like this. Argentina enter with more stability, more individual quality, and a better rhythm from their opener.
Prediction and viewing details
There is enough structure in Austria’s play to suggest they can create at least some danger, especially from set pieces, but Argentina look like the side more likely to control the decisive moments. The defending champions are stronger in attack, steadier in possession, and more reliable in the final third.
Opta’s supercomputer gives Argentina a 65.4% chance of winning after 25,000 simulations, and that feels fair. Austria may score, but Argentina should still leave with three points and a place in the knockout rounds secured.
Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Austria
Canadian viewers can watch on TSN1 and TSN+ at 1:00 p.m. ET, with French coverage on RDS. The match will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, one of the largest venues in the tournament.
It is one of four Group J matches on Monday, with Jordan vs. Algeria later in the day shaping the rest of the group picture.