Austria
Austria (AUT) have been drawn in Group J for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Argentina, Algeria, Jordan. Head coach Ralf Rangnick leads the squad. Ranked #22 by FIFA, the team have made 7 World Cup appearance(s). Their opening match is on July 2 against Spain at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA.
Ralf Rangnick
DERalf Dietrich Rangnick (German: [ʁalf ˈdiːtʁɪç ˈʁaŋnɪk]; born 29 June 1958) is a German professional football coach, executive, and former player who is currently the head coach of the Austria national team. Rangnick began his coaching career in 1983, succeeding his career as a player, at age 25. He later served as head coach at RB Leipzig across two periods between 2015 and 2019. Rangnick joined Red Bull as director of football in 2012, helping oversee their expansion into European football, emphasising the recruitment of unproven players and developing youth systems with a worldwide scouting base and an attacking on-pitch philosophy across their clubs. Rangnick joined Red Bull as director of football in 2012, helping oversee their expansion into European football, emphasising the recruitment of unproven players and developing youth systems with a worldwide scouting base and an attacking on-pitch philosophy across their clubs. Their clubs have also seen sustained domestic success and generated sizable profits with player transfers, which led to Rangnick's promotion to head of sport and development in 2019. He resigned from Red Bull in 2020 and joined Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow as manager of sports and development in 2021.
- Euro 2024 Round of 16 (Austria)
- 2018-19 Bundesliga Runner-up (RB Leipzig)
- Led Austria to highest-ever FIFA ranking
- +1 more
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GK Austria's first-choice goalkeeper at Red Bull Salzburg. Schlager has been the cornerstone of Austrian goalkeeping since emerging from Salzburg's academy, rising to become club captain and national team starter. Known for his sharp reflexes, excellent distribution with his feet, and commanding presence in the box, he has been a regular in Champions League campaigns with Salzburg. Suffered a serious ACL injury in 2024 but fought back to reclaim his starting position, demonstrating remarkable mental fortitude. His ability to play out from the back makes him the ideal fit for Rangnick's high-pressing system with the national team.
GK Club Brugge goalkeeper and Austria's number one. Currently plying his trade at Real Valladolid, a commanding presence between the posts, Patrick Pentz is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Austria. Has earned 10 international caps. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
GK Austria's experienced backup goalkeeper. Currently plying his trade at Union Saint-Gilloise, a commanding presence between the posts, Heinz Lindner is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Austria. Has earned 20 international caps. Born in 1990, the 35-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
GK A towering Austrian goalkeeper at Viktoria Plzeň in the Czech Republic. Standing at an extraordinary 205cm (6'9"), Wiegele is one of the tallest players at the 2026 World Cup. His remarkable wingspan and aerial command make him a formidable presence in goal, and he has delivered consistent performances in the Czech First League. His selection was a surprise, edging out Tobias Lawal for the third goalkeeper spot. Young and full of potential, Wiegele represents the future of Austrian goalkeeping and adds a unique physical dimension to Rangnick's squad.
GK Rapid Wien goalkeeper and a young prospect in Austria's goalkeeping ranks. Currently plying his trade at Rapid Wien, a commanding presence between the posts, Niklas Hedl is known for sharp reflexes and assured shot-stopping, serving as the last line of defense for Austria. Has earned 3 international caps, an emerging talent on the international stage. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
DF Feyenoord centre-back and an experienced Austrian defender. Currently plying his trade at Feyenoord, a dependable defender, Gernot Trauner combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Austria's backline. Has earned 20 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Born in 1992, the 34-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
DF Austrian centre-back at Elche in La Liga. Like Svoboda, Affengruber's selection is a redemption story — previously excluded from tournament squads, he has now earned his World Cup place. Rose to prominence at Sturm Graz in the Austrian Bundesliga before making the move to Spanish football with Elche, where he has shown adaptability and growth. Physically strong with excellent aerial ability, he is a combative defender who has benefited from the tactical education of La Liga.
DF Red Bull Salzburg defender and a young Austrian international. Currently plying his trade at Red Bull Salzburg, a dependable defender, Flavius Daniliuc combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Austria's backline. Has earned 5 international caps, an emerging talent on the international stage. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
DF Austrian centre-back at Venezia in Serie A. Svoboda's World Cup selection marks a redemption story — previously called up but overlooked for major tournament squads. Has shown impressive defensive solidity and physical resilience during Venezia's Serie A campaigns. Of Czech heritage, he once faced the choice between representing Czech Republic or Austria at international level, ultimately committing to the Austrian national team. His ability to compete in Italy's tactically demanding league adds valuable experience to the squad.
DF Freiburg centre-back and a regular in Austria's defence. Currently plying his trade at Freiburg, a dependable defender, Philipp Lienhart combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Austria's backline. Has earned 10 international caps. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
DF Lens centre-back and a key figure in Austria's defence. Currently plying his trade at Lens, a dependable defender, Kevin Danso combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Austria's backline. Has earned 30 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
DF Real Madrid defender and one of Austria's all-time greats. Currently plying his trade at Real Madrid, a dependable defender, David Alaba combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Austria's backline. Has earned 105 international caps, scoring 15 goals, making him one of the most senior figures in the squad. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
DF Austrian centre-back and captain of Werder Bremen. Friedl came through Bayern Munich's academy before joining Bremen on loan in 2018, eventually making the move permanent and becoming club captain. Known for his composure on the ball, intelligent reading of the game, and versatility to play both centre-back and left-back. Has accumulated significant Bundesliga experience through Bremen's campaigns in both the first and second divisions, establishing himself as a defensive leader.
DF Mönchengladbach defender capable of playing centre-back and left-back. Currently plying his trade at Borussia Mönchengladbach, a dependable defender, Maximilian Wöber combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Austria's backline. Has earned 30 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
DF Sporting CP left-back who was part of Austria's Euro 2024 squad. Currently plying his trade at Hoffenheim, a dependable defender, Alexander Prass combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Austria's backline. Has earned 10 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
DF Austrian left-back at Mainz 05. Born in Linz to a Congolese father, Mwene is a modern full-back who combines tireless running with quality crossing. A long-serving Mainz player, he has been a reliable presence in the Bundesliga for years. Previously spent time at PSV Eindhoven before returning to Germany. His high-intensity work rate and willingness to overlap make him an ideal fit for Rangnick's pressing-heavy tactical system with the Austrian national team.
DF Bologna right-back and an Austrian international. Currently plying his trade at Bologna, a dependable defender, Stefan Posch combines positional intelligence with tenacious tackling, forming a key part of Austria's backline. Has earned 30 international caps. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
MF Hoffenheim midfielder and a versatile presence in Austria's midfield. Currently plying his trade at Hoffenheim, an industrious midfielder, Florian Grillitsch excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Austria. Has earned 25 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
MF Austrian-born midfielder at Borussia Dortmund who switched international allegiance from England's youth teams to Austria. Born in Austria and raised in England, Chukwuemeka represented England at various youth levels before committing to Austria. Previously at Aston Villa and Chelsea, he found his best form after transferring to Dortmund in 2025. A technically gifted player with exceptional dribbling ability, capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or in a free role behind the striker. His switch significantly boosted Austria's midfield creativity and individual quality.
MF Borussia Dortmund midfielder and a technically gifted leader for Austria. Currently plying his trade at Borussia Dortmund, an industrious midfielder, Marcel Sabitzer excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Austria. Has earned 75 international caps, scoring 13 goals, building significant international experience. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
MF Wolfsburg winger and a pacy young option on Austria's flanks. Currently plying his trade at Wolfsburg, an industrious midfielder, Patrick Wimmer excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Austria. Has earned 12 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
MF Austrian wonderkid at PSV Eindhoven. Born in Tyrol, Austria, Wanner rose through Bayern Munich's academy to become the club's youngest-ever Bundesliga debutant. He represented Germany at various youth levels before making the historic decision in 2025 to represent his birth country Austria at senior international level — a switch that generated enormous attention, as he is widely considered one of Europe's most talented young players. Technically superb with excellent vision and two-footed ability, capable of playing as a winger or central midfielder. At just 20 years old, his World Cup selection underlines his status as Austria's future cornerstone.
MF Bayern Munich box-to-box midfielder. Currently plying his trade at Bayern Munich, an industrious midfielder, Konrad Laimer excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Austria. Has earned 40 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
MF RB Leipzig midfielder and a key cog in Austria's energetic midfield. Currently plying his trade at RB Leipzig, an industrious midfielder, Xaver Schlager excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Austria. Has earned 40 international caps, scoring 2 goals. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
MF Werder Bremen attacking midfielder and a creative spark for Austria. Currently plying his trade at Werder Bremen, an industrious midfielder, Romano Schmid excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Austria. Has earned 12 international caps, scoring 1 goal. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
MF Versatile Austrian midfielder at Wolfsberger AC, whose selection is one of the squad surprises. Schöpf spent several years in the German Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga with Schalke 04 and Nürnberg, accumulating significant experience at the highest level. Capable of playing right midfield, central midfield, and even right-back, his tactical flexibility and tournament experience were key factors in his selection. Represented Austria at Euro 2016, bringing valuable major tournament know-how to the 2026 World Cup squad.
MF RB Leipzig midfielder who scored key goals for Austria at Euro 2024. Currently plying his trade at RB Leipzig, an industrious midfielder, Christoph Baumgartner excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Austria. Has earned 40 international caps, scoring 10 goals. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
MF RB Leipzig defensive midfielder and a mainstay of Austria's midfield. Currently plying his trade at RB Leipzig, an industrious midfielder, Nicolas Seiwald excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Austria. Has earned 25 international caps. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
FW Austria's all-time leading goalscorer. Currently plying his trade at Inter Milan, a clinical forward, Marko Arnautović possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Austria's primary attacking threat. Has earned 115 international caps, scoring 37 goals, demonstrating consistent attacking output. Born in 1989, the 37-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
FW Towering Austrian striker at LASK Linz, standing at 200cm. Kalajdžić is a classic aerial threat with exceptional heading ability and predatory instincts inside the box. Previously played for Stuttgart, Wolfsburg, and Leeds United in the Bundesliga and Premier League, but has been plagued by knee injuries throughout his career. Returned to Austrian football with LASK in 2025 and helped them win the Austrian Bundesliga title, rediscovering his best form. Of Serbian heritage, his fitness will be crucial to Austria's tactical options at the World Cup, adding a unique physical dimension to their attack.
FW Blackburn forward and an experienced attacker for Austria. Currently plying his trade at Bristol City, a clinical forward, Andreas Weimann possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Austria's primary attacking threat. Has earned 35 international caps, scoring 5 goals. Born in 1991, the 34-year-old veteran continues to compete at the highest level, bringing invaluable experience and professionalism. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
FW Freiburg forward and Austria's tall target-man option. Currently plying his trade at Freiburg, a clinical forward, Michael Gregoritsch possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Austria's primary attacking threat. Has earned 50 international caps, scoring 10 goals. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
FW Red Bull Salzburg forward known for his pace and energy. Currently plying his trade at Freiburg, a clinical forward, Junior Adamu possesses sharp finishing instincts and intelligent movement, serving as Austria's primary attacking threat. Has earned 10 international caps. Set to compete with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 7 previous tournament appearances.
GROUP STANDINGS — Group J
GROUP RIVALS — Group J
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FAQ
- What group is Austria in at the 2026 World Cup?
- Austria are in Group J alongside Argentina, Algeria, Jordan.
- Who is the head coach of Austria?
- The head coach of Austria is Ralf Rangnick.
- When is Austria's first World Cup match?
- July 2, 2026 against Spain at SoFi Stadium.
- What is Austria's best World Cup finish?
- Austria's best result is Third place, with 7 total appearances.