Both teams share Group J with Jordan and Algeria. Argentina comes in after a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City less than a week ago. Austria enters following a 3-1 victory over Jordan in San Francisco in its own recent group outing.
Lionel Messi remains the headline for Argentina. The Inter Miami forward and Argentina leading scorer scored a hat trick in the Algeria opener, reaching 16 World Cup goals and matching Miroslav Klose's record. Messi, who turns 39 this week, could set a new mark with one more goal in Arlington.
Austria is captained by David Alaba and has opened its 2026 campaign with strong form after winning all but one of its pre-tournament friendlies, including a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The noon Arlington start puts the match on the daytime slate for fans following the North Texas World Cup host market and sorting broadcast and streaming access for the fixture.
