Just hours before Monday’s 5:00 p.m. GMT kickoff between Argentina and Austria in the second Group J matchday of the 2026 World Cup, all eyes are turning to the coaches starting lineups.
After its dominant performance against Algeria (3-0), Argentina is expected to stick with the core lineup that gave it such a strong start to its World Cup campaign.
Lionel Scaloni could therefore field a starting XI very similar to the one that dominated the Fennecs, with Lionel Messi as the team’s main offensive threat.
On the other side, Ralf Rangnick’s Austria, which defeated Jordan 3-1, is also expected to stick with the same lineup.
Solid as a unit and effective in transition, the Austrians are counting on their experience and tactical discipline to pull off an upset against the reigning world champions.
Argentina’s Probable Lineup
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico
Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez
Austria’s Probable Lineup
Goalkeeper: Patrick Pentz
Defenders: Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba, Philipp Mwene
Midfielders: Konrad Laimer, Nicolas Seiwald, Marcel Sabitzer
