Austria have been the latest nation to name their 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Ralf Rangnick is the man charged with leading Austria into the World Cup for their first appearance since 1998. The last time they made it out of the group stage was way back in 1978, while it will take some effort to match their third place finish in 1954.
Tottenham’s Kevin Danso is the only player from an English club but the likes of David Alaba of Real Madrid, Marcel Sabitzer of Borussia Dortmund and ex-Stoke City and West Ham United striker Marko Arnautovic all catch the eye.
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Austria World Cup 2026 squad
| Squad number | Player | Position | Domestic club | International caps | International goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander Schlager | GK | Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) | 25 | 0 |
| 13 | Patrick Pentz | GK | Brondby (Denmark) | 18 | 0 |
| 12 | Florian Wiegele | GK | Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic) | 1 | 0 |
| 8 | David Alaba | DF | Real Madrid (Spain) | 112 | 15 |
| 5 | Stefan Posch | DF | Mainz (Germany) | 51 | 5 |
| 15 | Philipp Lienhart | DF | Freiburg (Germany) | 40 | 3 |
| 3 | Kevin Danso | DF | Tottenham (England) | 31 | 0 |
| 16 | Phillipp Mwene | DF | Mainz (Germany) | 29 | 0 |
| 22 | Alexander Prass | DF | Hoffenheim (Germany) | 18 | 0 |
| 23 | Marco Friedl | DF | Werder Bremen (Germany) | 10 | 0 |
| 25 | Michael Svoboda | DF | Venezia (Italy) | 4 | 0 |
| 2 | David Affengruber | DF | Elche (Spain) | 1 | 0 |
| 9 | Marcel Sabitzer | MF | Borussia Dortmund (Germany) | 97 | 25 |
| 10 | Florian Grillitsch | MF | Braga (Portugal) | 58 | 1 |
| 20 | Konrad Laimer | MF | Bayern Munich (Germany) | 56 | 7 |
| 4 | Xaver Schlager | MF | RB Leipzig (Germany) | 50 | 4 |
| 6 | Nicolas Seiwald | MF | RB Leipzig (Germany) | 46 | 1 |
| 26 | Alessandro Schöpf | MF | Wolfsburger (Austria) | 35 | 6 |
| 18 | Romano Schmid | MF | Werder Bremen (Germany) | 33 | 3 |
| 21 | Patrick Wimmer | MF | Wolfsburg (Germany) | 30 | 1 |
| 17 | Carney Chukwuemeka | MF | Borussia Dortmund (Germany) | 2 | 1 |
| 24 | Paul Wanner | MF | PSV (Netherlands) | 2 | 0 |
| 7 | Marko Arnautovic | FW | Red Star Belgrade (Serbia) | 132 | 47 |
| 11 | Michael Gregoritsch | FW | Augsburg (Germany) | 74 | 24 |
| 14 | Sasa Kalajdzic | FW | LASK (Austria) | 21 | 4 |
There is a distinct German feel to the Austrian squad, with 14 of the 26 players plying their trade in the German leagues. There is plenty of experience throughout, with nine players having 50 caps or more for their country.
There are some worries about the lack of youth in the squad, though. There are only two players under 23 that have been selected and that might become a problem for the Austrian side, especially in future years with a worrying lack of talent coming through the ranks.
- Read more: Austria World Cup 2026 odds
Three players to look out for this summer
Marko Arnautovic (Red Star Belgrade)
Marko Arnautovic is set to be a pivotal figure for Austria at the 2026 World Cup, a tournament he has explicitly stated as his international swansong. Having helped Austria qualify for their first World Cup in 28 years, his experience and leadership will be invaluable. At 37, the forward continues to demonstrate his goal-scoring prowess and ability to influence games, as seen in his recent club performances. Arnautovic’s physical presence, technical skill, and knack for crucial goals will be vital for Austria’s attacking threat. He will serve as a key focal point, both on and off the pitch, guiding a younger squad and aiming to make a significant impact in what will likely be his final major international competition.
Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund)
Marcel Sabitzer is set to be a cornerstone of Austria’s midfield at the 2026 World Cup, marking the nation’s return after a 28-year absence. As the team’s captain, Sabitzer brings elite experience from top European clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. His versatility allows him to excel in various roles, from controlling the tempo in central midfield to providing an attacking threat as a second striker. Sabitzer’s leadership, tactical intelligence, and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments will be vital for Ralf Rangnick’s pressing juggernaut as they aim to make a lasting impression on the global stage.
David Alaba (Real Madrid)
David Alaba, Austria’s most decorated player and captain, is set to be the defensive lynchpin at the 2026 World Cup. After leading his nation to their first World Cup in 28 years, Alaba’s leadership and immense top-flight experience with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will be paramount. Despite battling recent calf and knee issues, he remains the squad’s “monster” and a symbol of their historic qualification. Alaba’s versatility as a centre-back and his ability to organize the defence will be critical for Ralf Rangnick’s side as they aim to challenge the world’s best .
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Austria World Cup 2026 fixtures
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