Argentina vs Austria — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Holders Argentina face their toughest group test on Matchday 2: Ralf Rangnick's high-pressing Austria, one of Europe's most awkward sides to play against. Lionel Scaloni's world champions, with Lionel Messi pulling the strings and a fearsome front line, remain the benchmark; Austria, built on intensity and the leadership of David Alaba, will look to disrupt and suffocate.
The intrigue is whether Austria's aggressive press can unsettle Argentina's settled build-up. The champions will trust their quality on the ball and the movement of Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez; Austria will hunt in packs, force turnovers and attack quickly.
Expect Argentina to ride the early pressure and impose their class as the game opens up. The champions are clear favourites, but Rangnick's organised intensity makes this a genuine examination rather than a routine evening.
Key storylines
- 01Champions tested: Austria are Argentina's sternest group opponent.
- 02Messi pulls the strings at a likely final World Cup.
- 03Rangnick's press against Argentina's build-up is the key battle.
- 04Lautaro and Alvarez give the champions relentless threat.
- 05David Alaba leads Austria's organised, aggressive approach.
Prediction
The champions to come through a real test. Friendly call: Argentina 2-1 Austria.
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Argentina
Formation 4-3-3- 1Emiliano Martinez (GK)
- 2Nahuel Molina
- 3Cristian Romero
- 4Nicolas Otamendi
- 5Nicolas Tagliafico
- 6Rodrigo De Paul
- 7Enzo Fernandez
- 8Alexis Mac Allister
- 9Lionel Messi
- 10Lautaro Martinez
- 11Julian Alvarez
Austria
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1Patrick Pentz (GK)
- 2Phillipp Mwene
- 3Kevin Danso
- 4David Alaba
- 5Maximilian Wober
- 6Nicolas Seiwald
- 7Konrad Laimer
- 8Christoph Baumgartner
- 9Marcel Sabitzer
- 10Patrick Wimmer
- 11Marko Arnautovic
Team news
Argentina
- Lionel Messi remains the creative heartbeat of the champions.
- Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez lead a fearsome front line.
- Argentina's settled core makes them the benchmark side.
Austria
- David Alaba brings composure and leadership to the back line.
- Sabitzer and Laimer power an aggressive midfield press.
- Austria's intensity is their best route to disrupting the champions.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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