Argentina faces Austria in World Cup 2026 group match

The Group J opener of the 2026 FIFA World Cup pits defending champions Argentina against Austria at Dallas Stadium. Austrian midfielder Konrad Laimer, speaking to FIFA, praised Lionel Messi as “the best player there is” and called Argentina “the best team”. He added that his side, back at a World Cup for the first time since 1998, hopes to compete on equal terms.

Austria entered the tournament after a 28‑year absence, with a squad featuring David Alaba, Marko Arnautović, Marcel Sabitzer and the newly‑promoted Konrad Laimer. Sabitzer will celebrate his 100th cap in the match, while Arnautović has repeatedly called Messi “the greatest of all time”.

Fans in Vienna are preparing public‑viewing events across more than 100 venues, expecting a massive turnout for the “Messi and co” showdown. A viral AI‑generated video also imagines Austria winning the tournament in 2056, fueling local optimism.

The game also offers Messi a chance to equal and then surpass Miroslav Klose’s World‑Cup goal record. Both teams will need a win to stay on track for the round of 16.