Defending champions Argentina set for fascinating Dallas duel against Ralf Rangnick’s Austria.
Group J
Tuesday, 23 June | Dallas Stadium
Kick-off time
01:00 (GMT+8)
The match
Reigning world champions Argentina continue their title defence in Dallas as they take on Austria. Lionel Messi and Co should expect a tough test from Ralf Rangnick’s side, who breezed past Jordan in their opening match. A victory for either side will put them top of the Group J and in pole position to progress to the Round of 32. This will be the first meeting between the sides at the FIFA World Cup™.
Argentina possible starting XI
Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Almada; Messi, Julian Alvarez
Austria possible starting XI
A. Schlager; Posch, Lienhart, Alaba, Mwene; Seiwald, X. Schlager; Schmid, Laimer, Sabitzer; Kalajdzic
What they said…
“I feel very comfortable in my current position. When it’s my turn to play, I try to give my all and do my best for the team. I’ve learnt a lot over the last four years. Today I feel more mature and I push myself every day to keep improving. Austria play a very direct style, leaving spaces that we need to exploit, but they’re an aggressive side when it comes to attacking. For us, it’s always important to control the ball, no matter who we’re up against.” Enzo Fernandez, Argentina player
“The team is in good shape and ready to take on tomorrow’s match. Austria are a tough opponent, with some very good players. They press well and had a great qualifying campaign. It will undoubtedly be a difficult match. There are no easy matches in this World Cup. From Qatar right up to today, the team’s performance has not dipped and they have always aimed to improve”. Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach
”Obviously they have the greatest player of all time, and tomorrow we need to show that we are one of the best teams at this World Cup. That means we need to be very strong tactically, but also very courageous, and we need to bring a lot of energy. We may need to deliver the best performance my team has produced during my time in charge.”
“Argentina are more than just Messi. He’s obviously a player who makes a huge difference, as he showed in their first match, but every single position in that team is outstanding. That’s why, as a team, we have to perform at our very best.” Ralf Rangnick, Austria coach
”This will be my 100th international match tomorrow, and looking at the stadium and the opponent, it’s something that makes me emotional, and I’m also very proud. I’m happy, I’m going to stay focused, and I want to be convincing. We don’t need extra motivation from the coach — we’re already very motivated.” Marcel Sabitzer, Austria player
Dallas Stadium
Dallas Stadium is a jaw-dropping example of stadium architecture that will witness nine World Cup 2026 matches. Since opening in 2009, it has been the home of five-time Super Bowl winners the Dallas Cowboys, and has also hosted the Concacaf Gold Cup and Mexico national team matches. The iconic venue will play host to five group-stage games, two Round of 32 fixtures, one Round of 16 tie and the first semi-final on Tuesday, 14 July.