Argentina vs Austria: prediction & betting odds 22 June 2026

Form and Line-up Argentina

It seemed that a run of friendlies against weak national teams might play a cruel trick on the reigning world champions. After qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Argentina played seven friendly matches against teams who did not reach the global tournament, some of whom did not even come close to earning a place. All of them ended in comfortable victories, and such results could have relaxed Albiceleste. But the opening match at the 2026 World Cup against Algeria showed the opposite: the team dominated in every area of the pitch and secured a convincing win. Messi scored a hat-trick, while his team-mates obediently helped him convert chances, with Leo only substituted in the 80th minute.

Key numbers for Argentina:

• Scaloni's side were among the eight teams who kept a clean sheet in the opening round.

• Argentina allowed only 0.33 xGA in the opening round, with only Spain (0.21) and Mexico (0.08) recording lower figures.

• Albiceleste have won eight matches in a row since October, conceding only one goal in that run.

Probable Argentina line-up (4-4-2): Emiliano Martinez - Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Gonzalo Montiel - Thiago Almada, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul - Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Messi.

Form and Line-up Austria

Austria's solid performance in 2026 World Cup qualifying laid the foundation for successful results in the final stage of the tournament. The team had problems against Jordan (3:1), but still got the job done through superior quality. Yes, they were helped by an own goal from their opponents and a late penalty, but even before those episodes the side controlled the game, while Arnautovic's goal in the 67th minute was ruled out for handball. The result is there, but in the second round against the defending champions there will be no such reserve in quality.

Key numbers for Austria:

• Rangnick's side ranked in the top seven for big chances created in the opening round (4), scoring only one goal in the game.

• Austria are unbeaten in six matches in a row, but in their last five games the national team have kept only two clean sheets.

• Despite their advantage in possession (64-37 by %), Austria had the same number of shots on target as Jordan (4-4).

Probable Austria line-up (4-2-3-1): Alexander Schlager - Philipp Mwene, David Alaba, Philipp Lienhart, Stefan Posch - Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald - Marcel Sabitzer, Konrad Laimer, Romano Schmid - Sasa Kalajdzic.

Who will referee the match

Amine Omar (Egypt)

Matches – 7 (International matches, 2025-2026);

Average fouls per match – 24;

Average Y/C per match (including second yellows) – 4.3;

Matches with R/C – 0 out of 7;

Matches with penalties – 1 out of 7.