Argentina play their second group stage game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Austria in Texas in a Group J encounter.
The defending champions opened their World Cup in style with a 3-0 win over Algeria, as Lionel Messi joined Miroslav Klose as the top-scoring player at World Cups. Lionel Scaloni's side took charge of Group J with the win and can seal qualification with another victory in Texas.
Austria, meanwhile, earned a 3-1 win over debutants Jordan, but it was a far more nervy encounter, even if Ralf Rangnick's side joined Argentina at the top.
The two teams have only met twice before in friendlies with Argentina winning one and drawing the other.
Here's everything you need to know about Monday's game.
How to watch:
The match will be available on BBC One in the UK, Fox Sports in the U.S., Zee5 in India and SBS in Australia. You can also follow ESPN's live updates.
Key Details:
Date, kick-off time:
U.S. ET: Monday June 22, 1 p.m.
UK BST: Monday June 22, 6 p.m.
India IST: Monday June 22, 10.30 p.m.
Australia AEST: Tuesday June 23, 3 a.m.
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA
Referee: Amin Mohamed Omar (Egypt)
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Argentina
Predicted XI (4-3-3):
GK: Emiliano Martínez
RB: Nahuel Molina | CB: Cristian Romero | CB: Lisandro Martínez | LB: Nicolás Tagliafico
CM: Rodrigo De Paul | CM: Alexis Mac Allister | CM: Enzo Fernández
RW: Nico Paz | CF: Julián Álvarez | LW: Thiago Almada
Austria
Predicted XI: (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alexander Schlager
LB: David Alaba | CB: Philipp Lienhart | CB: Kevin Danso | RB: Konrad Laimer
CM: Nicolas Seiwald | CM: Xaver Schlager
LM: Marcel Sabitzer | CAM: Patrick Wimmer | RM: Romano Schmid
ST: Sasa Kalajdzic
Talking Points
Should Scaloni give Messi a rest?
Lionel Messi experienced the entirety of the emotional spectrum over the last week, as his father Jorge dealt with a health issue, he scored a record-breaking hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in their World Cup opener. Messi even was the subject of controversy as he escaped a red card.
Post the World Cup win in Qatar, Scaloni placed an emphasis on working out a style of play without Messi, with a modicum of success.
Rangnick's side are pressing monsters and Scaloni will need all of his players to respond in kind.
Scaloni's dilemma will be taking a risk in sealing qualification with a win, especially since Jordan proved they were no pushovers.
Austria need to improve to trouble Argentina
Austria celebrated their return to the World Cup with a 3-1 win over Jordan, but the scoreline flattered Rangnick's side, who needed an second-half own goal and an injury-time penalty to get past the World Cup debutants.
Rangnick opted to use Konrad Laimer in midfield but given Argentina's strength out wide he might move the versatile Bayern player into the full back role. Austria's best route towards earning something from this game will be to press incessantly and keep it tight.
Marko Arnautovic is a brilliant option to use off the bench, as his attacking nous and intelligent use of physicality can certainly trouble Argentina's backline.
Rangnick might be tempted to keep something in reserve as the game against Algeria will truly decide qualification to the knockout stages, although a draw against Argentina would no doubt help.