{"id":3874,"date":"2026-06-20T05:27:07","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T09:27:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/ca\/?post_type=news&p=3874"},"modified":"2026-06-20T05:27:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T09:27:08","slug":"match-preview-argentina-vs-austria-world-cup-2026","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/ca\/news\/world-cup\/match-preview-argentina-vs-austria-world-cup-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Argentina vs Austria: Predictions, Picks, Odds & Stats"},"content":{"rendered":"

Argentina face Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Monday, June 22 at 1:00 PM ET \/ 12:00 PM CT \/ 11:00 AM MT \/ 10:00 AM PT, with the winner all but booking a place in the World Cup 2026<\/a> round of 32.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Both Group J sides arrive on three points after matchday one, level on goal difference at plus three. Lionel Messi’s hat-trick saw off Algeria, while a tidy 3-1 over Jordan put Austria where almost nobody expected to find them at the halfway mark of the group stage.<\/p>\n\n

bet365 prices the holders heavily at -167<\/strong> with Austria a 5.75 outsider and the draw at +300. The market reads it as a class gap, but Ralf Rangnick’s Austria are not the side that gets bullied off the ball, and that is what makes the under-2.5 line worth a second look.<\/p>\n\n

Argentina vs Austria: Best Bets & Predictions<\/h2>\n\n

The shape of the slate runs through Argentina’s quality at the top end and a goals total the favourite is fully capable of dragging under.<\/p>\n\n

\n
Our Prediction<\/th>Odds & Sportsbook<\/th>Confidence<\/th>Why We’re Backing It<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Argentina to Win<\/strong><\/td>-167 @ bet365<\/strong><\/a>
(62.5%)<\/td>		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>The reigning champions opened with a 3-0 win over Algeria and have the squad depth to manage the heat in Arlington without dropping intensity.<\/td><\/tr>\n
Lionel Messi<\/strong> to Score Anytime<\/td>-111 @ bet365<\/strong><\/a>
(52.6%)<\/td>		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>Messi opened the tournament with a hat-trick against Algeria, three goals from four shots on target, and now meets a defence still working out how to track him in transition.<\/td><\/tr>\n
Under 2.5 Goals<\/strong><\/td>-125 @ bet365<\/strong><\/a>
(55.6%)<\/td>		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>Austria are a low-block, counter-pressing side under Rangnick, and Argentina tend to manage games once they go ahead \u2014 the BTTS No price at -125 mirrors that read.<\/td><\/tr>\n
Correct Score: Argentina 2-0<\/strong><\/td>+650 @ bet365<\/strong><\/a>
(13.3%)<\/td>		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>The shortest correct-score line on the favourite, and it lines up with the Under 2.5 + BTTS No read \u2014 Argentina edge it without breaking sweat.<\/td><\/tr>\n
Both Teams to Score: No<\/strong><\/td>-125 @ bet365<\/strong><\/a>
(55.6%)<\/td>		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>Argentina kept a clean sheet against Algeria; Austria have to chase a result here against a back four that has had a week to settle.<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Our approach: anchor on Argentina to win and lean into the Messi anytime price, then build value with Under 2.5 \/ BTTS No or the 2-0 correct score for the bigger payout.<\/p>\n\n

Odds correct at the time of writing. Please play responsibly.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n

World Cup Form & Standings<\/h2>\n\n

Group J sits with all four teams playing this matchday \u2014 Argentina and Austria are top on three points and goal difference, ahead of Algeria and Jordan after MD1.<\/p>\n\n

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Team<\/th>Pos<\/th>GP<\/th>W<\/th>D<\/th>L<\/th>GF<\/th>GA<\/th>GD<\/th>Pts<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Argentina<\/strong><\/td>1<\/td>1<\/td>1<\/td>0<\/td>0<\/td>3<\/td>0<\/td>+3<\/td>3<\/td><\/tr>\n
Austria<\/strong><\/td>2<\/td>1<\/td>1<\/td>0<\/td>0<\/td>3<\/td>1<\/td>+2<\/td>3<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n

Argentina are priced as one of the tournament favourites<\/a> for a reason \u2014 clean sheet, three goals, never out of second gear in their opener. Austria’s odds<\/a> are exactly the kind that drift then snap on a result like a win here.<\/p>\n\n

Potential Match-Winners<\/h2>\n\n