How to watch Argentina vs Austria for FREE: Live stream details for Lionel Messi's record attempt at World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi's hat-trick in Argentina's first match at World Cup 2026 took him level with German striker Miroslav Klose as the record scorer at men's World Cups. Now on 16 tournament goals, can he take the outright lead?

Messi & Co. face Austria at AT&T Stadium today as Group J's top two sides seek a win that would guarantee a spot in round of 32, with a game to spare.

Argentina vs Austria: key information

• Kick-off time: 6:00pm BST / 1:00pm ET / 3:00am AEST (Tue)
• FREE Stream: BBC (UK) / SBS (AUS)
• TV & Streaming: Fox (US)
• Watch from anywhere: Get Norton VPN (60-day money back guarantee)

Kylian Mbappe is the only active player anywhere near Messi and, though the France captain should one day take the record, for now, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner remains the game's biggest star attraction in the country where he plays club football. Messi's hat-trick was central to Argentina's 3-0 defeat of Algeria.

Austria, who defeated Jordan in their opening game, won a first World Cup fixture since 1990, despite a stubborn display from Jamal Sellami's tournament debutants. Ralf Rangnick's side may be the underdogs, but they'll be inspired to get the win that will guarantee group-stage progress for the first time in 44 years.

Read on as FourFourTwo brings you all the information you need to watch Argentina vs Austria in the FIFA World Cup 2026 online, on TV, and from anywhere.

Watch Argentina vs Austria for FREE

Argentina vs Austria will be free-to-stream across multiple regions, including BBC in the UK, RTÉ Player in Ireland, SBS On Demand in Australia, CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, RTBF/VRT in Belgium, SRF/RTS/RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey.

English commentary will be provided on BBC, RTE Player and SBS On Demand.

‼️ Outside one of these countries? Use Norton VPN to unlock your stream from anywhere in the world — more on that below.

Watch Argentina vs Austria from anywhere

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How to watch Argentina vs Austria in the UK

In the UK, you can stream Argentina vs Austria on BBC. The build-up starts at 5:30pm BST, ahead of the kick-off at 6:00pm BST.

Watch Argentina vs Austria free on BBC iPlayer

You can stream 54 matches live for free on the BBC, including today's game between Argentina and Austria. A BBC account is required with a UK postcode (SE1 7PB) and a valid TV license.View Deal

How to watch Argentina vs Austria in the US

In the US, you can stream Argentina vs Austria on Fox.

This channel is accessible via Fox's own streaming platform Fox One or via a cord-cutting platform such as YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling (select markets), Fubo or DirecTV.

Stream Argentina vs Austria on Fox One

Fox One is the easiest way to watch the World Cup in the US this summer. The streaming service carries both Fox and FS1 and comes with a 3-day free trial right now. Prices following that come in at $19.99/month.

How to watch Argentina vs Austria in Australia

In Australia, you can watch Argentina vs Austria on the free SBS On Demand.

Watch Argentina vs Austria live and free on SBS

It's all very easy for Australian fans with every game of the FIFA World Cup available for free on SBS On Demand. You will need an account and a valid Aussie postcode (e.g. 2026)View Deal

Argentina vs Austria: World Cup 2026 Preview

Argentina are strong favourites in Texas today. Lionel Scaloni's team are on an eight-game winning run, with their latest defeat against Ecuador in last September's final, inconsequential, World Cup qualifier.

Slightly more off-radar, Ralf Rangnick and Austria produced a qualifying campaign that was almost as emphatic.

In a group with eventual qualifiers Bosnia and Herzegovina, Austria collected 19 points and dropped just five. They scored 14 goals against San Marino alone and flat-track bully Marko Arnautovic scored six of those.

The 37-year-old is midway through a two-year contract at Serbian SuperLiga giants Red Star Belgrade, where his goalscoring record remains very respectable even as his availability has dwindled.

This is the third time these nations have met, and the first competitively. The most recent encounter was a 1-1 draw in 1990. Manfred Zsak and Jorge Burruchaga scored the goals as the reigning champions warmed up for the World Cup.

Austria, who face Argentina with the Albiceleste as holders again, and are underdogs on that basis, but gegenpressing godfather Rangnick can be expected to have a plan for Messi that Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria's head coach, did not.

Argentina vs Austria: Group J

FourFourTwo's prediction

Argentina 2-1 Austria

FourFourTwo predicts a tougher task for Scaloni's world champions that ends with another historic day for his iconic skipper.

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