Argentina vs. Austria 2026 World Cup predictions, odds, pick

We’re back to continue our coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as we turn attention towards this next tilt in Group J. Tournament contenders Argentina will take on Austria for a match between favorites to advance from their grouping. Check our World Cup odds series for the Argentina-Austria prediction and pick.

Argentina comes into this second match following a 3-0 win over Algeria in their opening game. Captain Lionel Messi tied Miroslav Klose’s World Cup record of 16 goals with a hat trick in his record sixth World Cup appearance. They’re billed as -700 favorites to advance from Group J and have the fourth-best overall odds to win the World Cup at +800.

Austria defeated Jordan 3-1 in their opening game, marking the country’s first World Cup win in 36 years. The game was tied at 1-1 up until the 70th minute of play, but a late surge from Austria lifted them in the closing stages as they scored again in stoppage time to widen their gap. They’re now -2500 to qualify from Group J and have a respectable +425 line to make the quarterfinals.

World Cup odds courtesy of DraftKings

Argentina vs. Austria Odds

Argentina: -160

Draw: +290

Austria: +500

Over 2.5 goals: -105

Under 2.5 goals: -120

Argentina vs. Austria Key Injuries 

Argentina: Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez continues to deal with a fractured finger, but that didn’t stop him from making the start against Algeria and turning in a clean sheet with only one shot on goal. The main concern for Argentina heading in was the status of Lionel Messi and whether he would be at full-strength while dealing with a hamstring injury, but his hat trick against Jordan suggests he’s in peak form during this Group Stage.

Austria: Christoph Baumgartner notably missed this 2026 World Cup due to a thigh injury, but it was clear Austria was able to handle Jordan without him as they filled the gap with midfielder Dejan Ljubicic. More cause for concern came with defender Stefan Posch who suffered a broken jaw during the 3-1 win against Jordan. While he was able to avoid surgery, his status for the tilt against Argentina is still up in the air.

Argentina vs. Austria Form & Trends

• Argentina Last 5 Results: WWWWW
• Austria Last 5 Results: WWWWD
• Last Meeting: Argentina 1-1 Austria (May 3, 1990)
• Argentina to Qualify from Group J: N/A
• Austria to Qualify from Group J: -2500
• Argentina to Win Group J: -700
• Austria to Win Group J: +475

Keys to Argentina vs. Austria Matchup

Argentina saw the best start they could have to this World Cup with Lionel Messi doing the unthinkable and scoring three goals during their opener against Algeria. While much of the discussion heading into this tournament surround Messi’s hamstring injury and whether he would be effective or not, all doubts can be dispelled with their most recent performance. Furthermore, it solidified this Argentina squad as the likely favorites to repeat as champions.

Austria also exceeded their own expectations by bringing their country its first World Cup win in 36 years and overcoming the injury to one of their best players in Christoph Baumgartner. Although they faced a massive underdog squad in Jordan, they had numerous chances on goal and could have scored four total if one call had not been reversed.

This Austrian team prides itself on their defensive sets and they make a concerted effort to swarm the ball with multiple players whenever the opposing team is in possession. While Argentina prides itself on crisp passing and perfect through balls to open their action, Austria could make it difficult on them if they’re able to effectively break up the passing lanes.

Still, this could work as a disadvantage considering Argentina’s stern edge in speed and consistency on offense. While Austria will be quick to crowd the ball, expect Argentina to constantly be making runs downfield as they thrive with their crossing passes and will have ample opportunities to score off corner kick set pieces.

Argentina vs. Austria Prediction and Pick

The best Austria can hope for in this game is a draw as it’s not very likely they’ll upset Argentina at this stage of the tournament. Messi’s hat trick has to be a huge confidence booster for the returning champions and we can expect them to elevate their play as a unit thanks to their early success.

I expect Austria to play a strong defensive game through the first half and while mounting several counter attacks that could put Argentina on their heels. However, it won’t be long before coach Lionel Scaloni makes the proper adjustments at half and Argentina comes out even stronger to put this game out of reach. I predict Argentina winning by at least two goals, putting this total over.

Final Argentina-Austria Prediction & Pick: Argentina (-160); OVER 2.5 Goals (-105)

The post Argentina vs. Austria 2026 World Cup predictions, odds, pick appeared first on ClutchPoints.