Argentina
Argentina vs Austria lineups for FIFA World Cup 2026 remain predicted before official team sheets. FIFA usually releases confirmed XIs about one hour before kickoff. The Group J match is at Dallas Stadium on Monday, June 22. Argentina and Austria both won their openers, so selection balance matters from the first whistle.
Gonzalo Montiel is the main Argentina fitness doubt after a hamstring issue. Nahuel Molina is the clearest right-back option if Montiel misses out. Austria can lean on David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer, Konrad Laimer, and Marko Arnautovic. Ralf Rangnick's side need pressing energy without leaving Messi space between the lines.
Argentina Predicted Lineup
Argentina are projected to use a 4-3-3 with Emiliano Martinez in goal. Scaloni can keep the midfield triangle of Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez. Messi should start from the right and move inside. Lautaro Martinez and Thiago Almada give Argentina penalty-box movement and width.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Emiliano Martinez |
| RB | Nahuel Molina |
| CB | Cristian Romero |
| CB | Lisandro Martinez |
| LB | Facundo Medina |
| CM | Rodrigo De Paul |
| CM | Alexis Mac Allister |
| CM | Enzo Fernandez |
| RW | Lionel Messi |
| ST | Lautaro Martinez |
| LW | Thiago Almada |
Formation: 4-3-3.
Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.
The projected shape keeps Argentina's strongest ball-winning and passing core together. It also lets Messi drift inside while Molina overlaps on the right.
Austria Predicted Lineup
Austria are expected to stay close to a 4-2-3-1. Patrick Pentz should start behind Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba, and Philipp Mwene. Laimer and Seiwald can protect central spaces. Sabitzer, Schmid, and Wimmer then support Arnautovic around the box.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Patrick Pentz |
| RB | Stefan Posch |
| CB | Kevin Danso |
| CB | David Alaba |
| LB | Philipp Mwene |
| CM | Konrad Laimer |
| CM | Nicolas Seiwald |
| RW | Patrick Wimmer |
| AM | Marcel Sabitzer |
| LW | Romano Schmid |
| ST | Marko Arnautovic |
Formation: 4-2-3-1.
Substitutes: yet to be confirmed.
Austria's shape depends on compact distances between midfield and defense. If Sabitzer stays connected, Austria can press and still protect the space behind him.
Team News and Injury Report
Argentina's clearest concern is Montiel, who is dealing with a hamstring problem. Molina gives Scaloni an experienced replacement at right-back. The rest of the core should stay stable because Argentina controlled Algeria without many defensive scares.
Austria's main focus is whether Rangnick keeps the same senior spine after the Jordan win. Alaba, Laimer, Sabitzer, and Arnautovic give Austria experience in every line. Official benches remain unconfirmed until FIFA releases the match sheet.
| Player or Group | Team | Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonzalo Montiel | Argentina | Doubt | Hamstring issue |
| Nahuel Molina | Argentina | Expected to start | Likely right-back replacement |
| David Alaba | Austria | Available | Started in the opening win |
| Official benches | Both teams | yet to be confirmed | Released close to kickoff |
Argentina vs Austria Lineups - Key Tactical Battle
The central battle is Austria's press against Argentina's midfield three. Laimer and Seiwald must jump at the right moments. If they leave gaps too early, De Paul and Mac Allister can find Messi between lines.
Argentina also need clean rest defense when their full-backs step forward. Austria can hurt teams through Sabitzer's timing and Arnautovic's box presence. The first 15 minutes should show whether Austria can press without stretching.
| Role | Argentina | Austria |
|---|---|---|
| Primary build-up | De Paul, Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez | Laimer, Seiwald, and Alaba |
| Main attacking route | Messi moving inside behind Lautaro Martinez | Sabitzer supporting Arnautovic after recoveries |
| Selection pressure point | Right-back if Montiel misses out | Compact distances behind the press |
Match Details
| Key Info | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, June 22, 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 1:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM UTC / 12:00 PM Dallas |
| Venue | Dallas Stadium, Dallas |
| Stage | FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage |
| Group | Group J |
| Referee | Amin Mohamed Omar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the predicted Argentina lineup against Austria?
Argentina are projected to start in a 4-3-3 with Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Thiago Almada leading the attack.
What is the predicted Austria lineup against Argentina?
Austria are projected to use a 4-2-3-1 with Alaba, Laimer, Sabitzer, Schmid, and Arnautovic in key roles.
Are Argentina vs Austria lineups confirmed?
No. Argentina vs Austria lineups are predicted until FIFA releases official team sheets about one hour before kickoff.
Is Gonzalo Montiel starting for Argentina?
Gonzalo Montiel is a doubt because of a hamstring issue. Nahuel Molina is the clearest right-back replacement if Montiel is not ready.
When does Argentina vs Austria start?
Argentina vs Austria starts at 1:00 PM ET on Monday, June 22, 2026. The match is at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Argentina vs Austria lineups point toward a midfield-heavy tactical battle in Dallas.
Check again near kickoff because official team sheets can change late decisions and bench options.
Read Also: Argentina vs Austria live score
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