Austria
Updated: 18/07/2026
Jordan
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Austria
Argentina
vs
Austria
Algeria
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Austria
Austria return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence (since France 1998) in one of Europe's most anticipated comebacks. The architect of this qualification is Ralf Rangnick, the German tactician who invented modern gegenpressing and inspired Jürgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann. His Austria applies the most intense pressing on the continent.
Group J has Argentina as the clear favourite, but Austria have real tools to compete for second place. David Alaba (Real Madrid), Marcel Sabitzer and veteran Arnautović form the backbone of an organised, intense and dangerous team on transitions.
Austria hadn't played at a World Cup since France 1998 — a 28-year absence. Coach Ralf Rangnick, the inventor of the modern gegenpressing that inspired Klopp, Tuchel and Nagelsmann, guided them back with the most intense pressing team in UEFA competition.
Austria are the dark horse of Group J. Rangnick's extreme pressing system can trouble any opponent. Argentina are out of reach, but the final group match against Algeria could decide who advances as runner-up. Austria have the tools.