Austria is all set for the 2026 World Cup. The team coached by Ralf Rangnick confirmed on Monday the final roster of 26 players who will participate in the world event, where they will share Group J with the Argentine National Team, Algeria, and Jordan.
The main reference of the squad will be David Alaba, defender and captain of the team, who managed to recover from a serious injury to reach the world event. The Real Madrid player has only played 14 matches this season, but remains the footballing and emotional leader of a team that is dreaming big again.
Austria will also feature other names with international experience such as Konrad Laimer, a key player for Bayern Munich, Marcel Sabitzer, a crucial piece in the midfield of Borussia Dortmund, and Marko Arnautovic, the historic top scorer of the national team with 47 goals in 130 matches who plays for Red Star Belgrade.
The European team secured qualification after a solid performance in the UEFA Qualifiers, where they finished as leaders of their group above Bosnia and Romania, sealing their return to the World Cup after 28 years. Austria's last participation was in France 1998.
Under Rangnick's leadership, Austria has established an identity based on high pressing, intensity, and tactical versatility. The German coach, with a past in clubs like Manchester United, RB Leipzig, and Schalke 04, has managed to enhance a generation that mixes experience and youth.
Before the World Cup begins, the European team will play two preparatory friendlies: on June 1 against Tunisia and on June 11 against Guatemala. Once the tournament starts, Austria will kick off their World Cup participation on June 17 against Jordan in San Francisco. They will then face Argentina on the 22nd in Arlington and close the group stage against Algeria on the 27th in Kansas City, aiming to advance to the knockout stage and once again be a contender on the biggest stage of international football.
The 26 players called up from Austria for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers:
Alexander Schlager (Red Bull Salzburg)
Florian Wiegele (Viktoria Pilsen)
Patrick Pentz (Bröndy IF)
Defenders:
David Affengruber (Elche)
Kevin Danso (Tottenham)
Stefan Posch (Mainz)
David Alaba (Real Madrid)
Philipp Lienhart (Freiburg)
Phillip Mwene (Mainz)
Alexander Prass (Hoffenheim)
