Austria World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Ralf Rangnick

Austria's first World Cup since 1998

28 years away from the tournament. An entire generation of Austrian football fans who have never seen their country at a World Cup. This is a massive moment for the nation — and for a squad that has worked extraordinarily hard to get here. Rangnick has been the catalyst. He took over a side that was going nowhere and transformed it into one of the most feared teams in European qualifying. Getting to this World Cup is already an achievement. What happens next will define this group's legacy.

David Alaba — Austria's greatest player

Real Madrid's versatile defender is Austria's captain and their greatest ever player. At 33 this is almost certainly his last World Cup. Alaba has won everything there is to win at club level — La Liga, the Bundesliga, the Champions League, domestic cups across two countries. On the international stage, leading Austria back to the World Cup may be the crowning achievement of his career. His leadership, composure and quality in multiple positions are irreplaceable.

Rangnick has transformed Austrian football

Since taking over as manager Rangnick has built one of Europe's most well-organised pressing sides. His gegenpressing philosophy — high pressure, quick transitions, collective intensity — has filtered through the entire squad. The players at RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and Bayer Leverkusen are already steeped in this 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.

Marko Arnautovic at 37

Austria's all-time top scorer with 47 goals in 132 caps. Loved and sometimes controversial but always a presence. At Bologna and still performing at a high level in Serie A at 37. Arnautovic brings experience, hold-up play and an ability to score big goals in important moments. His relationship with the Austrian fans has had its turbulent moments over the years but there is no question about what he means to this squad as a leader and as a goal threat.

Carney Chukwuemeka adds quality

The Chelsea midfielder switched international allegiance to Austria and brings Premier League experience and technical quality to the midfield. At 22 he is one of the most technically gifted players in the squad. His ability to carry the ball, combine in tight spaces and arrive late in the box gives Austria an unpredictable dimension in midfield. With Laimer, Sabitzer, Seiwald and Schlager around him, the Austrian midfield is one of the best at the tournament on paper.

Group J — Argentina await

Austria are in Group J with Argentina, Algeria and Jordan. Drawing the defending champions Argentina is a tough ask — Messi and Lautaro Martinez are in the squad — but Rangnick will have a plan. Austria are not afraid of big opponents. They qualified with some outstanding results in Europe. Getting out of this group would require a near-perfect tournament campaign but it is not impossible. The minimum target is showing they belong at this level.

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), Marko Arnautovic (Bologna) and Carney Chukwuemeka (Chelsea). Austria's midfield is particularly strong with multiple RB Leipzig players in the system.

Is David Alaba in Austria's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. David Alaba captains Austria at 33. The Real Madrid defender leads them back to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. This is his final opportunity to shine on the biggest international stage.

Who is Austria's captain at World Cup 2026?

David Alaba captains Austria. The 33-year-old Real Madrid defender is Austria's greatest ever player and the emotional leader of this squad as they return to the World Cup after 28 years away.

What group are Austria in at World Cup 2026?

Austria are in Group J alongside Argentina, Algeria and Jordan. Drawing Argentina — the defending World Cup champions — makes qualification from the group a serious challenge. But Rangnick will have a detailed plan.

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 from the ground up using his gegenpressing system, creating one of the most organised pressing sides in Europe.

When did Austria last play at a World Cup?

Austria's last World Cup was France 1998, where they were eliminated in the group stage. This 2026 tournament ends a 28-year absence and represents a significant moment for Austrian football.