Does Rodrigo De Paul play today? Argentina vs Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Rodrigo De Paul is going through a fundamental moment in the Argentine national team and will be the centerpiece this Monday (22), at 2pm (Brasília time), in the clash against Austria, at the AT&T Stadium, in Arlington (Texas), in the second round of Group J of the 2026 World Cup. The midfielder, known for his vision of the game, delivery and ability to transition, helped Argentina debut with a 3-0 victory over Algeria.
With three points and a positive balance, Lionel Scaloni’s team can confirm their leadership of the group and advance to early classification. De Paul acts as a link between defense and attack, feeding Messi and Julián Álvarez.
Austria bets on collective strength to stop the Argentine midfield
Austria debuted by beating Jordan 3-1 and also had three points. Under Ralf Rangnick, the European team has a strong midfield with Sabitzer, Laimer and Seiwald — exactly the sector where De Paul usually shines. The duel promises direct confrontation between creative midfielders and midfielders.
The game pits Argentine technical quality against Austrian tactical organization. De Paul, with his characteristic intensity, will be closely watched.
De Paul’s likely lineup and role
Scaloni must repeat the base: Emiliano Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Julián Álvarez and Thiago Almada (or variations). De Paul has the freedom to get forward, dictate the pace and create chances.
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For Austria: Schlager; Posch, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Laimer, X. Schlager, Seiwald, Sabitzer, Schmid; Arnautović. The Austrian midfield will try to neutralize De Paul’s influence.
De Paul decisive for Argentina’s plans
Rodrigo De Paul has been a pillar in the 2022 title campaign and remains essential. His ability to recover balls and distribute them with precision helps maintain Argentina’s dominance. A victory today strengthens the midfield as a differentiator for the team in the search for a second championship.
Scaloni counts on De Paul’s experience to control the game, while Rangnick prepares strategies to limit Argentine creators.
Where to watch live:TV Globo, SBT, SporTV, CazéTV (Disney+), Globoplay and GE TV.
