Austria will be competing in a World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Under the tactical mastermind of Ralf Rangnick, Austria go into the 2026 World Cup as one of the most dangerous and physically grueling “dark horse” sides in the entire tournament.

Operating out of their signature, hyper-aggressive Gegenpressing system, the squad relies on an elite, high-tempo work rate designed to suffocate opponents the second they lose possession.

Backed by the veteran tournament experience of midfield engine Marcel Sabitzer and the defensive versatility of David Alaba, Austria are not just content with qualifying; they possess the tactical discipline and fearless identity required to completely disrupt traditional heavyweights—a trait that will be tested immediately in Texas when they line up for their highly anticipated clashes against tournament favorites like Argentina.

Austria will face Argentina, Algeria and Jordan in Group J.

Goalkeepers:

• Patrick Pentz (Brondy IF)
• Alexander Schlager (Red Bull Salzburg)
• Florian Wiegele (Viktoria Plzeň)

Defenders:

• David Affengruber (Elche)
• David Alaba (Real Madrid)
• Kevin Danso (Tottenham)
• Marco Friedl (Werder Bremen)
• Philipp Lienhart (Freiburg)
• Phillipp Mwene (Mainz 05)
• Stefan Posch (Mainz 05)
• Alexander Prass (Hoffenheim)
• Michael Svoboda (Venezia)

Midfielders:

• Christoph Baumgartner (Red Bull Leipzig)
• Carney Chukwuemeka (Borussia Dortmund)
• Florian Grillitsch (Sporting Braga)
• Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich)
• Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund)
• Xavier Schlager (Red Bull Leipzig)
• Romano Schimid (Werder Bremen)
• Alessandro Schöph (Wolfsberger)
• Nicolas Seiwald (Red Bull Leipzig)
• Paul Wanner (PSV)
• Patrick Wimmer (Wolfsburg)

Forwards:

• Marko Arnautovic (Red Star)
• Michael Gregoritsch (Augsburg)
• Sasa Kalajdzic (LASK Linz)

Austria’s schedule at the World Cup

Group J: Austria, Argentina, Algeria, Jordan

Thursday, June 16, 12pm ET - Austria vs Jordan

Thursday, June 22, 1pm ET - Austria vs Argentina

Wednesday, June 27, 10pm ET - Austria vs Algeria

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