Austria's 2026 World Cup Squad: A New Era

A 28-year drought ends for Austria. The European nation has secured a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance at the tournament since 1998. Under manager Ralf Rangnick, the team topped Group H, finishing ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Romania, and now sets its sights on winning an elusive first international trophy.

Austria's World Cup history includes seven previous appearances. Their best performance came in 1954, a third-place finish, and they have never advanced past the semi-finals. The 1998 campaign ended in the group stage, a fate the current squad hopes to avoid in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Goalkeeping Options

Red Bull Salzburg's Alexander Schlager has established himself as Austria's first-choice goalkeeper, fending off competition from Brondby's Patrick Pentz. Schlager holds 24 caps, while Pentz has 17. Genk's Tobias Lawal, 25, and Florian Wiegale provide backup. Portsmouth's Nicholas Schmid is vying for the third-choice spot but faces stiff competition.

Defensive Core

The defensive line is anchored by captain David Alaba, a Real Madrid star with over 100 caps and a trophy cabinet few can match. Tottenham's Kevin Danso has been a key figure recently, though his club's poor season—potentially ending in relegation—may affect his morale. Experience runs deep with Mainz's Stefan Posch, Werder Bremen's Max Wober, and Feyenoord's Gernot Trauner also in the mix.

Midfield Blend

Marcel Sabitzer, with 95 caps, and Xaver Schlager, approaching 50, bring vast experience to the midfield. Bayern Munich's Konrad Laimer offers versatility, capable of playing in midfield or defence. A youthful injection comes from Borussia Dortmund's Carney Chukwuemeka, 20, who chose Austria over England, and PSV Eindhoven's Paul Wanner, also 20. Many midfielders ply their trade in the Bundesliga, a high-intensity league that could prove advantageous at the World Cup.

Forward Line

Marko Arnautovic remains the primary attacking threat. The 36-year-old former Premier League striker, who played for West Ham and Stoke City, has 130 caps and 47 goals for his nation. This tournament could be his last. Support comes from Michael Gregoritsch, Sasa Kalajdzic, and another ex-Premier League veteran, Andreas Weimann.

Star Players to Watch

Arnautovic's goal-scoring form will be crucial for Austria's progression from the group stage. The Bundesliga-heavy midfield, led by Sabitzer, is expected to provide pace and power. Chukwuemeka, yet to earn his first cap, is a wildcard on the wing with the talent to make a global impact. Wanner, a prospect in the Eredivisie, also has the quality to start. In defence, Alaba's big-game experience will be vital.

Predicted Starting XI

Schlager is the expected starter in goal. Alaba and Danso, both with top-level experience, are likely to form the heart of the defence. Sabitzer will orchestrate from midfield, with Chukwuemeka's energy complementing Arnautovic's veteran instincts up front.

Predicted Austria starting XI (4-3-3): Schlager; Laimer, Danso, Alaba, Mwene; Schlager, Sabitzer, Grillitsch; Baumgartner, Arnautovic, Chukwuemeka.