Austria World Cup 2026 Squad — Players, Manager & Group

Opening against defending champions Argentina

Austria open against defending champions Argentina at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. It does not get harder than that for an opening match. Messi, Alvarez, Lautaro in the same group. Rangnick's side will need to be at their very best just to stay in the tournament. But Austria are not afraid of difficult opponents — their entire qualifying campaign was built on performing against teams who had no reason to fear them.

Carney Chukwuemeka — a significant allegiance switch

Carney Chukwuemeka is the former Chelsea midfielder who switched international allegiance from England youth football to Austria. At 22, now at Borussia Dortmund, he is one of the most technically gifted players in the squad and could be the difference maker in tight games. His ability to carry the ball through midfield, combine in tight spaces and arrive late into the box gives Austria an unpredictable dimension that opponents will find hard to contain.

David Alaba — captain, leader, Austria's greatest

David Alaba is the captain and the leader of this squad. Real Madrid's versatile defender has had injury problems but is fit enough to make the squad and lead Austria at their first World Cup since 1998. At 33 this is almost certainly his last World Cup and he will want to go out with a performance worthy of his extraordinary career. He has won La Liga, the Bundesliga, the Champions League — leading Austria to the World Cup is the final chapter.

Ralf Rangnick has done a remarkable job

Ralf Rangnick has done a remarkable job with Austria since taking charge. His high press, positional play and tactical organisation have transformed a team that never used to cause anyone serious problems. The players at RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are already steeped in his system. Austria are not here to defend and absorb. They will press, they will run hard and they will make life uncomfortable for every opponent they face.

Group J — Algeria and Jordan offer a path through

Group J also includes Algeria and Jordan alongside Argentina. If Austria get their tactics right against Argentina and keep it tight they can realistically target second or third place in the group. Qualifying from this group would be a massive achievement for Austrian football but it is not impossible. The minimum target is showing they belong at this level and making Argentina work far harder than they expect.

Sabitzer and Xaver Schlager — quality all through midfield

Marcel Sabitzer and Xaver Schlager give Austria real quality in the middle of the park. Both have Premier League and Champions League experience. Rangnick will build his team around their energy and pressing ability. With Seiwald, Baumgartner, Laimer and Chukwuemeka also available, Austria have genuine depth in midfield — arguably their strongest area on paper and the platform from which everything else will be built.

Who is in Austria's World Cup 2026 squad?

Ralf Rangnick named a 26-man squad captained by David Alaba. Key players include Alaba (Real Madrid), Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich), Marcel Sabitzer (Dortmund), Xaver Schlager (RB Leipzig), Marko Arnautović (Red Star Belgrade) and Carney Chukwuemeka (Dortmund).

Who is Austria's manager at World Cup 2026?

Ralf Rangnick is Austria's manager. The former Manchester United interim manager has rebuilt Austrian football using his gegenpressing system, creating one of the most organised pressing sides in Europe.

What group are Austria in at World Cup 2026?

Austria are in Group J alongside Argentina, Algeria and Jordan. Drawing the defending champions Argentina is a tough assignment but Rangnick will have a detailed plan for every opponent.

When do Austria play their first World Cup game?

Austria play their first World Cup 2026 game on June 12 against Argentina at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Who is Austria's captain at World Cup 2026?

David Alaba of Real Madrid captains Austria. The 33-year-old is Austria's greatest ever player and leads them back to the World Cup after 28 years away.