Austria experiences the hours leading up to its premiere

Austria is preparing for its debut in the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a particular challenge, facing Jordan at Levi's Stadium in California. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 at 12 AM ET/9 PM PT.

Commanded by Rangnick, they seek glory.

The European team arrives with a clear and well-prepared idea under the command of Ralf Rangnick, who has consolidated a style based on high pressing and tactical coordination. Austria relies on a system that its players know by heart, with big names in the main leagues of the continent, David Alaba (Real Madrid), Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich), Marcel Sabitzer, and the historic forward Marko Arnautovic.

The main concern beforehand was Christoph Baumgartner's injury. The Leipzig attacking midfielder suffered a tear in his right thigh during the warm-up of a friendly match against Tunisia on June 1. Rangnick's decision was decisive: not to call up a replacement and to compete in the tournament with 25 players, which forces a reconfiguration of offensive and creative options in the midfield.

Possible lineups

The possible lineup of Austria against Jordan is shaping up in a 4-2-3-1:

Patrick Pentz; Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba, Phillipp Mwene; Nicolas Seiwald, Konrad Laimer; Xaver Schlager, Patrick Wimmer, Marcel Sabitzer; Marko Arnautovic.

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