Group J · Match 20Full time
- R. Schmid 21'
- Y. Al-Arab (OG) 76'
- M. Sabitzer 77'
- M. Arnautovic (P) 90'+12'
- A. Olwan 50'
Austria
Group JFIFA ranking #20UEFAAUT
First World Cup since 1998
Profile
Ralf Rangnick's intense gegenpressing has transformed Austria into one of Europe's most dynamic and watchable sides, and they ended a 28-year World Cup drought by topping their qualifying group with some breathtaking performances. David Alaba captains one of the most talented Austrian squads in history — a generation that grew up watching the country miss tournament after tournament and resolved never to let it happen again. Marcel Sabitzer brings Champions League experience from his Borussia Dortmund campaigns. Christoph Baumgartner has been one of RB Leipzig's most creative performers across Bundesliga and Champions League matches. Austria play at a high intensity that opponents find relentless and sometimes impossible to live with. Group J against Argentina, Algeria and Jordan is the most challenging draw imaginable, but the Austria of 2026 — coached with fierce intensity and organised with elite pressing patterns — is capable of taking points from anyone. Even one upset result could make this a defining moment for Austrian football.
Austria fixtures
Group J · Match 43Full time
- L. Messi 38'
- F. Medina 76'
- L. Paredes 90'+2'
- L. Messi 90'+5'
- S. Posch 40'
- K. Laimer 76'
Group J · Match 69Full time
- R. Belghali 45'
- R. Mahrez 60'
- R. Mahrez 90'+3'
- M. Arnautovic 11'
- M. Arnautovic 28'
- M. Sabitzer 55'
- S. Kalajdzic 90'+6'
Round of 32 · Match 83Full time
- M. Oyarzabal 36'
- P. Porro 66'
- M. Oyarzabal 89'
- S. Posch 83'
Players to watch
David Alaba
Defender · Real Madrid
Austria's most decorated and technically accomplished player, Alaba has won Champions League titles with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid and played in multiple positions with elite-level quality. His intelligence, leadership and ability to carry the ball from the back make him Austria's most important single influence across Rangnick's high-intensity pressing system.
Marcel Sabitzer
Midfielder · Borussia Dortmund
A combative, energetic midfielder whose driving runs, set-piece quality and ability to score from range have been crucial for club and country, Sabitzer gives Austria box-to-box dynamism. His Champions League final experience with Dortmund and consistent Bundesliga performances make him one of the most experienced Austrian players at this World Cup.
Christoph Baumgartner
Midfielder · RB Leipzig
A creative, intelligent midfielder who links play between RB Leipzig's pressing lines with clever movement and incisive passing, Baumgartner has consistently impressed at Bundesliga level. His ability to find pockets of space between defensive lines, combine quickly in tight areas and contribute goals from advanced midfield positions gives Austria a genuine match-winning threat.
Group J table
Group J
Top 2 advance · best 3rds may qualify| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Argentina | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +7 | 9 |
| 2Austria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 3Algeria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 4 |
| 4Jordan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -5 | 0 |