The reigning world champions open their 2026 defence at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where a sea of blue-and-white will greet Messi, Álvarez and De Paul. Argentina qualified from Group J as early as the draw — but tournaments must be won on the pitch. Austria, buoyed by David Alaba's leadership and Christoph Baumgartner's craft, will not be passive.

Argentina should control this comfortably. The World Cup holders are motivated, have tournament DNA and possess the deepest South American squad in the competition. Argentina -1.5 at around 2.15 offers better value than the outright at 1.50 for those seeking a return.