Fifa World Cup 2026: What you need to know about Austria
Austria won six of their eight games to qualify for their first World Cup this century
- Published
Get the lowdown on every team at the 2026 World Cup. Here we take a closer look at Austria.
What can I expect from Austria?
After thrilling at Euro 2024, Austria's return to the World Cup after 28 years is welcome - they will play some of the most enterprising and dynamic football at the World Cup.
But four years into the transformative tenure of experienced head coach Ralf Rangnick, 'Das Team' have loftier ambitions than simply being this summer's great entertainers.
They are gradually finding some substance to match the style too.
That development is no surprise given the pedigree in the squad. The experience of David Alaba, Marko Arnautovic and Konrad Laimer - some of the nation's greatest ever players - could be crucial in clutch moments.
Their quality and nous can be vital in eking out more from Austria's exciting next generation, of which we should also get a tantalising glimpse this summer.
What are Austria's strengths?
Austria have numerous high-quality options in midfield. RB Leipzig's Nicolas Seiwald is a superb anchor, while Marcel Sabitzer offers a goalscoring threat behind the striker.
They are also reaping the benefit of continuity and a clear game plan under Rangnick.
And what about their weaknesses?
Austria are short of elite attackers and the injury that ruled out Christoph Baumgartner has deprived them of a potential source of goals.
Marko Arnautovic is now 37 and in the twilight of his career, Michael Gregoritsch has conjured big moments before but is not consistent, while giant forward Sasa Kalajdzic does not fit into the high-pressing plan.
How might Austria line up?
Which players should I look out for?
Since Rangnick took charge, Borussia Dortmund's Marcel Sabitzer, 32, has raised his game to new heights. With no Baumgartner, there will be extra responsibility on his shoulders too.
Captain David Alaba, 33, is one of European football's most decorated players after success with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Having long been the poster boy of Austrian football, he will finally get to play on the biggest stage for his country – if he can stay fit.
Konrad Laimer, 29, has shone as a utility player for Bayern Munich this season, and his all-action approach is perfect for Rangnick's style of play.
Marko Arnautovic scored eight times for Austria in qualifying - only Erling Haaland netted more in Europe
Who is Austria's head coach?
Rangnick is one of the most progressive thinkers in the game and clearly believes this group of players can go deep into the tournament.
When Bayern Munich offered him the role of head coach in 2024, he turned it down to stick with Austria.
How did Austria qualify?
Austria topped qualifying Group H. They finished two points ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina, winning six, drawing one and losing one of their eight matches.
Where can I watch Austria?
All of Austria's matches will also be covered live on the BBC Sport website and app with updates, analysis, and fan reaction. Come and be part of it!
Give me a fact to impress my friends
Standing at 205 cm (6ft 9in), Austria goalkeeper Florian Wiegele is the tallest player at the World Cup.
He is 44 cm (around 17 inches) taller than the shortest player, Cesar Yanis of Panama, who is listed by Fifa as 160 cm (5ft 3in).
Now give me some proper detail
Even though Austria lasted only four games at Euro 2024, they were one of the most entertaining teams at the tournament, putting three past Poland and the Netherlands before losing narrowly to Turkey.
Hopes are high that Ralf Rangnick's team can go to a new level this summer. They impressed in qualifying and have recorded some notable wins in friendly matches, beating Germany 2-0 in November and thrashing Ghana 5-1 in March.
The team have fully bought into Ralf Rangnick's gegenpressing plan, which fittingly has roots in Austria through coaching great Ernst Happel.
At Feyenoord, the Vienna native won the 1970 European Cup and the 1971 Eredivisie with what many view as the original version of the pressing blueprint.
Austria recorded a PPDA value of 7.1 in qualifying, the lowest among all nations. That means they allowed their opponents fewer passes before a defensive action - essentially, they were the most aggressive pressing team among Europe's World Cup representatives.
Replicating that style may be a test in punishing heat, while technical teams could play through the press and exploit the space it leaves behind. But under Rangnick, top gear will always be the default setting.
How have Austria done at previous World Cups?
Austria have qualified for the first time since 1998. This will be their eighth World Cup appearance, with their best result a third-place finish in 1954.
