Austria have secured their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and can now start planning their trip to Canada, Mexico, and the USA. With a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 18, 2025, Austria sealed the deal and crowned a strong qualifying campaign.
For the first time since 1998, Austria will be represented on football’s biggest stage. They earned six wins from eight games while outscoring opponents 23-5 on their way to a first-place finish in Group H.
The country’s best World Cup result to date came in 1954 as they finished third, followed by fourth place in 1934. Buoyed by impressive performances under head coach Ralf Rangnick, there is great confidence that Austria will once again cause a sensation in 2026 when they make their eighth appearance in the finals.
Rangnick’s style is unmistakable, with high intensity and courageous pressing. Austria play compact defensively, switch quickly, and above all, always act as a unit. In addition, the team have the right balance of experience and promising talent.
Austria are led by captain David Alaba, who has recovered from injury and sets the pace with his presence and enormous match intelligence. Alongside him, key players such as Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer take on a lot of responsibility – supported by a deep squad that is characterised by speed and passion.
Austria hope to take the confidence gained under Rangnick and translate that into further top performances in North America, where the goal will be to reach the knockout stages and cause a surprise or two.
Austria at the World Cup
First World Cup: 1934
Participations: 9 (1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1978, 1982, 1990, 1998, 2026)
Best performance: Third place (1954)
