2026-06-07
Group J preview: Austria face Argentina test
Rangnick sets group-stage progression as the minimum against Jordan, Argentina and Algeria
Group J · · FIFA #24 · 151/1
Austria
1830Rangnick's pressing machine and a fit-again Alaba take Austria to their first World Cup since 1998, with a Dallas date against champions Argentina the marquee test in Group J.
Coach Ralf Rangnick (German) · since 2022-06
Matches
Key players
- David AlabaCB · Real Madrid
Captain finally playing his first World Cup at 33 after years of injuries
- Marcel SabitzerCM · Borussia Dortmund
Midfield creator who scored the winner in the Tunisia send-off
- Konrad LaimerCM/RB · Bayern Munich
High-energy Rangnick-pressing prototype; saw red vs Tunisia
- Christoph BaumgartnerAM · RB Leipzig
Key goal threat arriving from midfield
- Xaver SchlagerCM · RB Leipzig
Ball-winning anchor of Austria's intense midfield
- Nicolas SeiwaldCM · RB Leipzig
Tenacious engine-room presence in the press
- Marko ArnautovicST · Red Star Belgrade
Record scorer providing veteran edge up front
Injuries / doubts
- No major injury absences reported in the final squad; Laimer's red card vs Tunisia was in a friendly and carries no tournament suspension
Recent form
| 2026-06-01 | Tunisia (h) | 1-0 W | Friendly |
| 2026-03-31 | Ghana (h) | 5-1 W | Friendly |
| 2026-03-27 | Bosnia-Herzegovina | 1-1 D | Friendly |
| 2025-11-18 | Bosnia-Herzegovina (h) | 1-1 D | WC Qualifier |
| 2025-11-15 | Cyprus (a) | 2-0 W | WC Qualifier |
| 2025-10-12 | Romania (a) | 0-1 L | WC Qualifier |
News
2026-06-01
10-man Austria beat Tunisia 1-0 in Vienna farewell
Sabitzer's 63rd-minute goal wins it after Laimer's VAR red card for handball
2026-05-18
Rangnick names Austria's World Cup squad, Alaba returns
The Real Madrid defender gets his first World Cup at 33 after missing Euro 2024 injured