8
WC Appearances
including 2026
3rd Place
Best Result
all-time
None
Titles
yet to win
#20
FIFA Ranking
April 2026 (approx.)
About Austria
Austria's return to the World Cup in 2026 ends a 28-year absence since France 1998 and represents the fruition of Ralf Rangnick's high-energy, pressing-based rebuild of Austrian football. Under the innovative German coach, Austria have transformed into one of Europe's most dynamic sides, playing fast, aggressive football that has made them genuinely difficult to play against. David Alaba - despite serious injury concerns - and the relentless Marcel Sabitzer provide quality and leadership in a balanced squad. Group J pits Austria against defending champions Argentina, Algeria, and Jordan - a group where they must beat the two African and Asian representatives to advance for the first time since 1998.
Team Base Camp
🇺🇸 USA
Base camp
Santa Barbara, California
Das Team train at UCSB's Harder Stadium in Goleta, just outside Santa Barbara. Mediterranean coastal climate that Austrian players adapt to easily, plus full NCAA Division I athletic infrastructure.
Per FIFA regulations (§18.3), Austria stays at this base camp for the entire group stage and travels to each match venue one day before kickoff (and returns the same night or the next day).
Distance to each group-stage match
Straight-line distance from Santa Barbara to each match stadium. Actual travel adds airport time on flights.
Key Players
Alexander Schlager
David Alaba
Xaver Schlager
Konrad Laimer
Saša Kalajdžić
Head Coach
Ralf Rangnick
2026 Group
Group J
Austria at the 2026 World Cup
All times shown are local to the stadium
World Cup History
| Year | Stage Reached | |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Group Stage | |
| 1990 | Group Stage | |
| 1982 | Round of 16 | |
| 1978 | Group Stage | |
| 1958 | Group Stage | |
| 1954 | 3rd Place | 🥉 |
| 1934 | 4th Place | 🥉 |
| 1930 | Group Stage |
8 appearances total · Includes all World Cups as Austria
Austria World Cup 2026 FAQ
What group is Austria in for the 2026 World Cup?+
Austria is in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Argentina, Algeria, Jordan.
Who is the manager of Austria at the 2026 World Cup?+
Ralf Rangnick manages Austria at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What is Austria's FIFA ranking?+
Austria is ranked #20 in the FIFA World Rankings heading into the 2026 World Cup.
How many World Cups has Austria played in?+
Austria has appeared in 8 FIFA World Cups including 2026. Their best result is 3rd Place.
When does Austria play in the 2026 World Cup?+
Austria's 2026 World Cup group stage matches: June 17 vs Jordan; June 22 vs Argentina; June 27 vs Algeria. Knockout matches are determined by group stage results.
Who are Austria's key players for the 2026 World Cup?+
Key players to watch for Austria include Alexander Schlager, David Alaba, Xaver Schlager, Konrad Laimer, Saša Kalajdžić.
Where is Austria's base camp for the 2026 World Cup?+
Austria will be based in Santa Barbara, California (USA), training at UC Santa Barbara - Harder Stadium. Per FIFA regulations, the team stays at this base camp throughout the group stage and travels to match venues one day before each game.