Austria compete in Group Ten of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Record:
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Best World Cup finish: Third place in 1954
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FIFA ranking: 23
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Last World Cup appearance: 1998 (eliminated in group stage)
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Nickname: Das Team (The National Team)
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Top clubs: Red Bull Salzburg, Rapid Vienna, Sturm Graz
Qualification: Conceding just four goals in eight qualifying matches, Austria asserted their defensive resilience to secure their eighth World Cup finals appearance. However, after conceding in the 12th minute against Bosnia and Herzegovina on the final matchday, they briefly faced the prospect of a play-off — before Michail Gregoritsch rescued them with a goal in the 77th minute, simultaneously condemning Bosnia to the play-offs.
Coach: After a coaching career spanning 25 years in the Bundesliga, Ralf Rangnick was appointed Austria manager in 2022 following a temporary spell at Manchester United. The 67-year-old is widely credited as a pioneer of the gegenpressing style later popularised by Jürgen Klopp, and he guided Austria to the round of 16 at Euro 2024 — having topped a group containing France and Germany — before their campaign ended with defeat to Turkey in their first knockout tie.
Star player: After reaching the Champions League semi-finals with Bayern Munich, Konrad Laimer made 47 appearances for the Bavarian club this season. Capable of playing as either a left or right back, Laimer will be one of the pillars of the Austrian defence. Going forward, Austria will have to manage without midfielder Christoph Baumgartner — who scored 17 goals for Leipzig this season — ruled out with a right thigh injury.
Ambitions: In their return to the World Cup finals, Austria are expected to compete with Algeria for second place in a group where Argentina are clear favourites. The aim is to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since the 1982 World Cup.