Austria finally returns to the World Cup stage. Das Team last played at a FIFA World Cup in 1998. Now, under head coach Ralf Rangnick, your national team is ready to make history again.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Austria lands in Group J — alongside defending champions Argentina, African contenders Algeria, and Asian qualifiers Jordan.
This is a tough group, but it is not impossible. Your team has the experience and quality to compete.
Austria’s Match Schedule (CEST / Austrian Time)
Austria plays all three group-stage games in the United States.
All times below are converted to Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2), which is the local time zone in Austria during June.
| Match | Date | Kickoff | Venue | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇹 Austria vs 🇯🇴 Jordan | Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 03:00 | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA | Group J |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina vs 🇦🇹 Austria | Monday, June 22, 2026 | 23:00 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX | Group J |
| 🇩🇿 Algeria vs 🇦🇹 Austria | Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 21:00 | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO | Group J |
Match 1: Austria vs. Jordan (June 17, 03:00 CEST)
Austria opens against Jordan at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This is your team’s best chance for an early win. Jordan is ranked significantly lower and makes its World Cup debut. Austria must grab three points here.
Match 2: Argentina vs. Austria (June 22, 23:00 CEST)
The biggest test comes next. Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, face Austria at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. A late night kick-off in Austria — but every fan knows this match is unmissable.
Match 3: Algeria vs. Austria (June 27, 21:00 CEST)
The final group game against Algeria could decide who advances. Algeria brings players like Riyad Mahrez and is a genuine threat. Austria needs at least a draw — a win would likely seal qualification to the Round of 32.
Austria’s World Cup History and Records
Austria’s football history is richer than many fans realize. Das Team has made seven World Cup appearances, with the first coming in 1934.
| Year | Stage Reached | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| 1934 | Fourth Place | First-ever World Cup |
| 1954 | Third Place 🏆 | Best-ever finish |
| 1958 | Group Stage | |
| 1978 | Group Stage | |
| 1982 | Second Round | |
| 1990 | Group Stage | |
| 1998 | Group Stage | Last appearance before 2026 |
| 2026 | TBD | First in 28 years |
Austria’s greatest World Cup moment came in 1954 in Switzerland. The team finished third — their all-time best result.
They beat hosts Switzerland 7–5 in the quarterfinals in what remains one of the most famous games in World Cup history.
After 1998, Austria missed seven consecutive World Cups. That 28-year wait is now over.
Ralf Rangnick’s side qualified by topping UEFA qualifying Group H, edging out Bosnia and Herzegovina on the final matchday.
Predictions and Tournament Analysis
Austria enters the tournament ranked 24th in the FIFA World Rankings. They are not favorites to win Group J, but reaching the Round of 32 is a realistic target.
Predicted Group J Standings:
| Position | Team | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 🇦🇷 Argentina | Strong favorites to top the group |
| 2nd | 🇦🇹 Austria | Best placed to claim second spot |
| 3rd | 🇩🇿 Algeria | Close battle with Austria |
| 4th | 🇯🇴 Jordan | First-time qualifiers, huge underdog |
Rangnick’s system is built on high-intensity pressing — “gegenpressing”. Austria presses hard, wins the ball early, and attacks quickly.
This style suits players like Sabitzer, Seiwald, and Laimer perfectly.
The team’s biggest strength is its experienced spine. Alaba, Arnautovic, and Sabitzer have combined for well over 300 international appearances.
That experience matters in a World Cup.
The main concern is their attacking depth beyond Arnautovic. If the big striker has an off day, Austria’s scoring options thin out.
Algeria is the real danger in Group J — both teams need second place, and that game on June 27 will define Austria’s tournament.
Austria’s Potential World Cup 2026 Squad
Ralf Rangnick will finalize his 26-man squad before the tournament. Here is Austria’s expected squad:
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Alexander Schlager | Red Bull Salzburg |
| GK | Patrick Pentz | Brøndby IF |
| GK | Tobias Lawal | Genk |
| DEF | David Alaba (Captain) | Real Madrid |
| DEF | Konrad Laimer | Bayern Munich |
| DEF | Stefan Posch | Bologna |
| DEF | Kevin Danso | RC Lens |
| DEF | Marco Friedl | Werder Bremen |
| DEF | Philipp Mwene | Stuttgart |
| DEF | Phillipp Lienhart | SC Freiburg |
| DEF | Maximilian Wöber | Leeds United |
| MID | Marcel Sabitzer | Borussia Dortmund |
| MID | Nicolas Seiwald | RB Leipzig |
| MID | Xaver Schlager | RB Leipzig |
| MID | Christoph Baumgartner | RB Leipzig |
| MID | Florian Grillitsch | Nice |
| MID | Alexander Prass | Sturm Graz |
| MID | Romano Schmid | Werder Bremen |
| MID | Patrick Wimmer | VfL Wolfsburg |
| FWD | Marko Arnautović | FC Bologna |
| FWD | Michael Gregoritsch | SC Freiburg |
| FWD | Andreas Weimann | Club TBD |
| FWD | Patrick Grüll | Rapid Vienna |
| FWD | Florian Grüll | Werder Bremen |
Key Players to Watch
David Alaba: Defender, Real Madrid
Alaba is Austria’s captain and most decorated player. He has won the Champions League twice and holds 111 caps for the national team. Injuries have slowed him recently, but a fit Alaba transforms this team completely.
Marcel Sabitzer: Midfielder, Borussia Dortmund
Sabitzer is Austria’s creative engine. He controls tempo, takes set pieces, and chips in with goals. He is the player who makes the team tick in crucial moments.
Marko Arnautović: Forward, FC Bologna
At 36 years old, Arnautovic remains Austria’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player. His physical presence and big-game experience are irreplaceable up front.
Konrad Laimer: Midfielder/Defender, Bayern Munich
Laimer offers elite pressing intensity and stamina. He perfectly represents Rangnick’s high-energy system and covers enormous ground in every match.
How to Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 in Austria
Austrian fans are well covered — all 104 matches are available to watch for free.
Free TV:
- ORF 1 / ORF Sport Plus: Austria’s public broadcaster holds exclusive rights to all 104 World Cup games
- ServusTV: Sub-licensed broadcaster showing selected matches including Austria’s first and third group-stage games
Free Streaming:
- ORF ON (orf.at/on): Free live streaming and 7-day catch-up, available on iOS and Android
- ServusTV On: Free streaming app for ServusTV’s broadcast matches
Both ORF ON and ServusTV On are free of charge for viewers inside Austria. No subscription is needed. No paid-only platform holds exclusive Austria World Cup rights for 2026.
Split of Austria Matches by Broadcaster:
| Match | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Austria vs. Jordan | ServusTV / ServusTV On |
| Argentina vs. Austria | ORF 1 / ORF ON |
| Algeria vs. Austria | ServusTV / ServusTV On |
FAQs
Is Austria qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes. Austria qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing top of UEFA qualifying Group H. It is their first World Cup since 1998 — a 28-year absence.
Which group is Austria in at the 2026 World Cup?
Austria is in Group J alongside Argentina, Algeria, and Jordan.
When does Austria play at the World Cup 2026?
Austria plays on June 17 (vs. Jordan), June 22 (vs. Argentina), and June 27 (vs. Algeria).
What time do Austria’s matches kick off in Austrian time (CEST)?
The kick-off times are 03:00 CEST (vs. Jordan), 23:00 CEST (vs. Argentina), and 21:00 CEST (vs. Algeria).
Where can I watch Austria’s World Cup games for free in Austria?
You can watch on ORF 1, ServusTV, and their free streaming apps ORF ON and ServusTV On.
Who is Austria’s coach at the 2026 World Cup?
Ralf Rangnick is the head coach. He took charge in 2022 and led Austria to qualification.
Who is Austria’s best player at the 2026 World Cup?
David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer, and Marko Arnautovic are the three headline names. Arnautovic is Austria’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player.
What is Austria’s best FIFA World Cup result?
Austria finished third place at the 1954 FIFA World Cup in Switzerland.
Can Austria qualify from Group J?
Yes. Winning against Jordan and getting a result against Algeria gives Austria a strong chance of advancing. Second place in Group J is genuinely achievable.
Is ORF ON free to use in Austria?
Yes. ORF ON is completely free inside Austria. You can stream directly without a subscription via the website or the ORF ON app on iOS and Android.
