Argentina vs. Austria projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup 2026 Group J game in Dallas

Argentina and Austria each got off to winning starts in World Cup Group J and meet at AT&T Stadium on Monday.

The defending champions dazzled on their opening night, with Lionel Messi typically the star of the show as he scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria.

One more goal will see Messi go ahead of Miroslav Klose at the top of the World Cup's all-time scoring charts.

Austria will hope to pose a sterner challenge to the Albiceleste after their own impressive 3-1 triumph over tournament debutants Jordan.

Victory for either team will rubber-stamp a place in the knockout rounds with a game to spare.

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Argentina projected starting 11

(4-4-2, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. N. Molina, 13. C. Romero, 6. Li. Martinez, 25. F. Medina — 7. R. De Paul, 20. A. Mac Allister, 24. E. Fernandez, 16. T. Almada — 10. L. Messi, 22. La. Martinez

• Injured: J. Alvarez (ankle, doubt), G. Montiel (hamstring, doubt)
• Suspended: None 

A key to Argentina's success under Lionel Scaloni has been to surround Messi with hard runners. Expect Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister to be all present and correct to facilitate the great man.

Julian Alvarez became a key part of this equation at the 2022 World Cup but is still building back to fitness following an ankle injury.

Lautaro Martinez partnered Messi in attack against Algeria and the Inter Milan player will likely keep his shirt for now. The decision whether to swap him out for Alvarez or select both in a narrow 4-3-3 is a quandary Scaloni will deal with down the road.

Gonzalo Montiel (hamstring) is a doubt, meaning Nahuel Molina is likely to start at right-back.

MORE: Ranking the 11 greatest FIFA World Cup tournaments by an individual player

Austria projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. A. Schlager (GK) — 20. K. Laimer, 15. P. Lienhart, 8. D. Alaba, 16. P. Mwene — 6. P. Seiwald, 4. X. Schlager — Schmid, 17. C. Chukwuemeka, 9. M. Sabitzer — 14. S. Kalajdzic

• Injured: S. Posch (broken jaw)
• Suspended: None 

Austria's all-time leading scorer Marko Arnautovic came off the bench against Jordan. The 37-year-old is likely to be among the substitutes again, but a goal would be handy for the cause of starting striker Sasa Kalajdzic.

Bayern Munich's Konrad Laimer is likely to start on the right-hand side of defence as Stefan Posch nurses a broken jaw.

MORE: World Cup group scenarios 2026: How teams can qualify and advance to Round of 32

Argentina vs. Austria predictions, betting odds

It feels like there is some value in the tie, with the closed roof and air conditioning in Arlington a factor that will assist Austria in playing their favoured high pressing game to discomfort the champions.

• Score prediction: Argentina 2-2 Austria

Argentina vs. Austria World Cup rosters

Here are the names on Argentina and Austria's World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.

Argentina World Cup roster

Head coach: Lionel Scaloni

Austria World Cup squad

Head coach: Ralf Rangnick

Where to watch Argentina vs. Austria

• TV channel: Fox
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

Argentina vs. Austria will air on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up a for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: