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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing across North America, and Monday brings one of the most anticipated matchups of the group stage: defending champions Argentina face a stern test against Ralf Rangnick’s Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
With Round 2 underway, the tournament has already delivered drama, surprises, and historic moments. Here’s your complete preview of today’s action and a look back at the biggest stories so far.
Today’s Matches — Monday, June 22
| Time (ET) | Group | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM | Group J | Argentina vs. Austria | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX |
| 5:00 PM | Group I | France vs. Iraq | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA |
| 6:00 PM | Group I | Norway vs. Senegal | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ |
| 9:00 PM | Group J | Jordan vs. Algeria | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA |
🔥 Marque Match: Argentina vs. Austria (1 PM ET, FOX)
This is the headline act. Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina take on Austria, coached by tactical mastermind Ralf Rangnick.
Argentina started their campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Algeria. Messi scored a hat-trick in that match, equaling Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals and becoming the first player to score at six different World Cups. The Albiceleste look sharp, organized, and hungry to defend their crown.
Austria are no pushovers. Under Rangnick, they’ve developed a high-pressing, structured style that troubled Argentina’s Group J rivals. Austria beat Jordan 3-1 in their opening match and will be confident they can cause an upset. The key battle will be Rangnick’s tactical setup against Argentina’s star-studded attack.
This is Argentina’s toughest group-stage assignment. A win would effectively seal top spot in Group J. A loss would throw the group wide open.
Yesterday’s Results (Sunday, June 21)
- Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia — La Roja bounced back emphatically from their 0-0 draw with Cape Verde
- Belgium 0-0 Iran — A stalemate in Inglewood that leaves Group G wide open
- Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde — Cape Verde continues to impress; they’ve now held Spain AND Uruguay
- New Zealand 1-3 Egypt — Egypt’s first win of the tournament
Biggest Stories So Far
| Moment | Detail |
|---|---|
| Messi’s magic | Hat-trick vs Algeria — 16 WC goals, tied with Klose. First at 6 World Cups |
| Mbappe’s record | Became France’s all-time leading scorer at age 27 |
| Haaland’s debut | Scored twice in Norway’s 4-1 demolition of Iraq |
| Germany’s statement | 7-1 demolition of Curaçao, Havertz brace |
| Cape Verde’s shock | Held Spain 0-0 AND Uruguay 2-2 — the tournament’s feel-good story |
| USA’s strong start | 4-1 win over Paraguay in opener, 2-0 vs Australia |
Where to Watch
All matches are broadcast live in the US on FOX, FS1, and streaming on fubo.
FAQ
Can Argentina win back-to-back World Cups?
No team has done it since Brazil in 1962. Argentina have the talent (Messi, Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez, Martinez) and the momentum, but the expanded 48-team format means more games and more fatigue. It’s possible — but far from certain.
How does the 48-team format work?
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams split into 12 groups of 4. The top 2 from each group advance, plus the 8 best third-placed teams — making 32 teams for the knockout stage. Total: 104 matches.
When is the World Cup final?
The final will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
How has the USA performed?
The USMNT, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, opened with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay and followed up with a 2-0 victory over Australia. They sit top of Group D.
Upcoming Matches
| Date | Match | Group | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon, June 22 | Argentina vs. Austria | J | 1:00 PM |
| Mon, June 22 | France vs. Iraq | I | 5:00 PM |
| Mon, June 22 | Norway vs. Senegal | I | 6:00 PM |
| Mon, June 22 | Jordan vs. Algeria | J | 9:00 PM |
| Tue, June 23 | Group K & L Round 2 | K/L | TBD |
Final Verdict
The 2026 World Cup is delivering everything fans hoped for: goals, upsets, and superstar performances. Argentina vs. Austria is the must-watch match of the day — a genuine test of whether Messi’s Argentina can go all the way again. If they handle Rangnick’s disciplined Austria, the rest of the field should be worried.
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