Austria vs Argentina Tips, Odds & Prediction: World Cup 2026

* Odds supplied by Betway, accurate when this preview was written.

Austria take on world champions Argentina at Dallas Stadium in Arlington on Monday, kicking off at 19:00 CAT, and both teams come in on three points after winning their opening Group J games. Ralf Rangnick's men overcame Jordan 3-1 to claim Austria's first World Cup win in 36 years, while Lionel Messi celebrated his 200th cap with a hat trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0. Whoever wins this one secures a last 16 berth. You will find all of our World Cup betting tips in our dedicated section.

Austria

Austria were lively in their 3-1 win over Jordan in the opener, with Marko Arnautovic tucking away a late penalty to wrap it up and Rangnick's press giving the opposition all sorts of trouble. I think they are a good side, but facing the holders is a much bigger challenge than Jordan, so I see them dropping into a more careful, deeper shape built around Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald. A muscle injury has ended Christoph Baumgartner's tournament and Dejan Ljubicic has come in for him, while David Alaba got through the Jordan match and is fit to lead the defence. As I see it, Austria can hurt teams on the counter through Sabitzer and Schmid, but keeping Argentina and the brilliant Messi quiet for 90 minutes will be extremely hard.

Expected Lineup: A Schlager; Posch, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Laimer, Seiwald; Schmid, Schlager, Sabitzer; Arnautovic.

Argentina

Argentina were clinical against Algeria, with Messi grabbing three goals in a record sixth World Cup and the team in charge from the first whistle to the last. With six points and first place both within reach, Lionel Scaloni could rotate one or two players, yet I still expect a strong lineup because a win clinches qualification and top spot. Romero and Lisandro Martinez looked at ease at the heart of the defence, and Scaloni has a huge range of attacking options. I believe Argentina have far greater quality all over the park and will try to impose themselves on this game right from kickoff.

Expected Lineup: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, L Martinez, Almada.

Argentina have the quality to pick Austria apart, and the reigning champions looked dominant against Algeria, so I am siding with Scaloni's team to control proceedings and take the win. Austria will carry some threat in attack, but I think Argentina will manage things sensibly once they go in front instead of pushing for a big win. My forecast: Austria 0 Argentina 2.

BTTS: No (1.80)

Austria scored three against Jordan, but Argentina are a much harder proposition, and their back four of Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Montiel and Medina was barely tested by Algeria. I see Argentina dictating the game and keeping Austria in check at the back. BTTS: No at 1.80 suits a calm Argentina win with a clean sheet.