Defending World Cup champion Argentina will face Austria on Monday at AT&T Stadium in a Group J match that has drawn tens of thousands of fans to North Texas.
The match pits one of international soccer's most decorated powers against an Austrian squad seeking to build on its opening victory of the tournament. Argentina opened group play with a 3-0 win over Algeria, while Austria defeated Jordan 3-1.
The buildup to the match has transformed parts of the Dallas-Fort Worth area into a celebration of Argentine soccer. Large crowds of Argentina supporters gathered Sunday at Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas, waving flags, singing team songs and creating a festival atmosphere ahead of kickoff.
By late morning Monday, activity around AT&T Stadium was already intensifying as fans from both countries arrived for the match. Argentina's global popularity and status as the reigning champion have helped draw a massive contingent of supporters to North Texas, with many traveling from across the United States and abroad.
The contest could have significant implications in Group J, where both teams entered the day with three points after winning their opening matches. A victory would put either side in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage.
Argentina enters as the favorite behind a roster loaded with international stars and the confidence that comes with defending its World Cup title. Austria, however, arrives with momentum after its convincing win over Jordan and hopes of pulling off one of the tournament's early surprises.
The match is one of several World Cup games being played across the United States, Mexico and Canada as the expanded tournament continues group-stage play.
Kickoff at AT&T Stadium is scheduled for Monday afternoon. The game is expected to be one of the largest-attended matches in North Texas during the tournament's opening round, with fans from both nations creating a vibrant international atmosphere in Arlington.
