Austria are through to the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup after finishing second in Group J, and will face Spain for a place in the last 16.
Ralf Rangnick’s side secured their place in the knockout stages with a strong group campaign, finishing level on points with Algeria but edging them into second place in a tightly contested group.
Austria opened with a win over Jordan, were beaten by Argentina, and then produced a dramatic 3-3 draw with Algeria to confirm their progression from Group J.
Austria World Cup 2026 route to the final
If Austria are able to come through their Round of 32 tie with Spain, a place in the last 16 would follow, where they could face either Portugal or Croatia.
The quarter-finals could then bring a meeting with the winner of USA vs Belgium or Senegal, before a potential semi-final against either Germany or France.
MORE: Get the latest Austria World Cup 2026 odds here
Austria World Cup 2026 Stats
Austria key players for World Cup 2026
Austria top World Cup Golden Boot contender: Marko Arnautovic
- Key stat: Marko Arnautovic scored eight goals from 16 shots in 2026 World Cup qualifying, and then netted off the bench in Austria’s opening game win against Jordan.
Of course, Marko Arnautovic will be Austria’s main goalscoring threat at the World Cup this summer. He is their all-time top scorer and broke the record in getting Austria to the World Cup. Arnautovic was extremely efficient in qualifying. He had just 16 shots in his seven games, hitting the target 11 times. And he scored eight goals. The Austrian has struggled with injuries this season but has still managed to be directly involved in seven goals in eight league games for Red Star Belgrade.
Austria primary playmaker: Marcel Sabitzer
- Key stat: Marcel Sabitzer provided three assists in 2026 World Cup qualifying, more than any other player.
Marcel Sabitzer was Austria’s main creative outlet in World Cup qualifying. He led his teammates for chances created with 13, three of which were big chances. And that led to three assists, again the most of any Austria player. Now, Sabitzer hasn’t been as fruitful for Borussia Dortmund this season, but that’s because of the position he plays. Sabitzer is a deeper midfielder at club level, but he plays further up the pitch and on the wing for Austria.
Austria card magnets & top tacklers: Nicolas Seiwald
- Key stat: Nicolas Seiwald sits second among Austrian players for tackles in Europe’s top seven leagues this season (45).
Nicolas Seiwald has been all-action for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga this season, making 45 tackles. And it’s a role he’ll continue to play for Austria. To make it even better for his teams, Seiwald has only been booked once in the Bundesliga with just 13 fouls committed. He knows what he’s doing. Seiwald also made 16 tackles for Austria in World Cup qualifying, the joint-most of any player for Das Team. Again, there were no yellow cards with 10 fouls committed.
Austria rising star: Paul Wanner
There are a couple of talented young stars in this Austria squad, but the youngest member of the final 25 is 20 year old winger Paul Wanner. The PSV Eindhoven man is the youngest player to have played for Bayern Munich having made his debut for his former club after making his debut just 15 days after his 16th birthday and he comes into the World Cup on the back of a productive first season in the Netherlands where he scored three times in 22 appearances.
STAND-OUT STAT: Austria were involved in the highest-scoring match in World Cup history when they beat Switzerland 7-5 in the 1954 quarter-final.
Austria set-piece specialists
- Penalties: Marko Arnautovic
- Free kicks: Marcel Sabitzer
- Corners: David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer
Austria tactical analysis and formation
Team stats (average per game from last four matches):
- Corners: 3.75
- Shots on target: 8.0
- Shots on target conceded: 1.0
- Offsides: 0.75
Ralf Rangnick has a lot of versatile players at his disposal. The likes of Konrad Laimer, David Alaba and Marcel Sabitzer can all play multiple positions, which can help with different formations. But Rangnick does appear to favour a 4-2-3-1, with Marko Arnautovic leading the line. Alaba looks to have settled at centre-back for his national team, having been a regular further forward for Austria in recent years. Nicolas Seiwald appears to be the certainty in midfield, potentially to be joined by Xaver Schlager.
Get the latest Austria World Cup goals, shots, tackle, assist stats and more here.
Austria manager analysis
Ralf Rangnick has been Austria manager since 2022, replacing Franco Foda after Das Team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Rangnick had a tough start to life with Austria, losing four of their six Uefa Nations League matches to suffer relegation. But they turned things around in League B, and had decent preparation for Euro 2024 including a win over Germany.
Austria were knocked out of Euro 2024 in the last 16, having finished second in their group behind France. Their sole group defeat came to France, before Austria were bested by Turkey in the last 16.
| Coach | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ralf Rangnick | Austria | 46 | 28 | 8 | 10 | 94 | 41 | 60.97% |
Austria World Cup FAQs
Have Austria ever won the World Cup?
Austria have never won the World Cup, with a third-placed finish in 1954 their best-ever run.
Where did Austria finish in the last World Cup?
Austria did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup, with 2026 being their first appearance since 1998.
Who will be Austria captain at the World Cup?
David Alaba is set to captain Austria at the World Cup. He inherited the armband from Julian Baumgartlinger.
Who is Austria’s all-time top goalscorer at World Cups?
Ernst Probst has scored six goals for Austria at World Cups, more than any other player.
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