Argentina and Austria face each other this Monday (22), at 2pm (Brasília time), at the AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After victories in the debut, the two teams seek to maintain the momentum, and the probable lineups already indicate competitive teams with few changes.
Argentina’s probable lineup
Lionel Scaloni should repeat the base that beat Algeria 3-0 in the first round. The coach will have the full squad available for the first time in the competition. The expected formation is as follows:
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Defense: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Facundo Medina
- Midfield: Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández and Thiago Almada
- Attack: Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez (or Julián Álvarez)
The formation should be 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, with Messi playing more advanced and free to create. The only real doubt was at right back after Montiel’s injury, but Molina should continue as a starter.
Austria’s probable lineup
Ralf Rangnick should also maintain the backbone of the 3-1 victory over Jordan. The Austrian team, which plays with variations between 3-4-1-2 and 4-2-3-1, should take to the field with:
- Goalkeeper: Alexander Schlager
- Defense: Stefan Posch (or substitute if doubtful), David Alaba, Philipp Lienhart and Phillipp Mwene
- Midfield: Konrad Laimer, Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald and Marcel Sabitzer
- Attack: Romano Schmid and Marko Arnautović
Arnautović is the main reference in attack, while Sabitzer and Schmid provide dynamism in the middle. Rangnick highlighted the need for “the best possible performance” against the world champion.
Leaders duel
Argentina leads Group J with three points and a three-goal difference. Austria is right behind, also with three points, but a difference of two. An Albiceleste victory practically guarantees a place in the round of 16. Messi, who scored a hat-trick on his debut, could equal or surpass the record for top scorer in World Cup history with one more goal.
The referee will be Amin Mohamed Omar. The Texan stadium should receive a large audience, with a strong presence of Argentine fans.
Where to watch
The live broadcast in Brazil is carried out by SBT. Apps and websites like ge.globo offer real-time monitoring.