#22
FIFA Ranking
7
WC Appearances
Third Place (1954)
Best Finish
2022
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
Austria secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Europe qualification pathway. As a UEFA representative, they were among 16 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #22 in the FIFA World Rankings, Austria enters the tournament as a competitive qualifier team with expectations to compete at the highest level. With 7 previous World Cup appearances, they bring valuable tournament experience.
Group J Analysis
Austria has been drawn in Group J and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group J Opponents
Argentina
FIFA Ranking: #1 • Elite opponent
Algeria
FIFA Ranking: #32 • Moderate opponent
Jordan
FIFA Ranking: #70 • Challenging opponent
Group J Fixtures for Austria
Match 38
Jun 16, 2026
Austria
vs.
Jordan
Levi's Stadium, San Francisco
Match 39
Jun 22, 2026
Argentina
vs.
Austria
AT&T Stadium, Dallas
Match 62
Jun 27, 2026
Algeria
vs.
Austria
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Compete for a top-two finish in the group, with potential to advance as one of the best third-place teams. Reaching the Round of 32 would be a solid achievement.
Best-Case Scenario
Win the group and make a surprise run to the Round of 16 or Quarter-finals. Teams at this level can peak at the right time and overcome ranked favorites.
Key Challenges
Depth of squad and maintaining performance levels across a grueling tournament. Must be tactically disciplined and clinical in front of goal to maximize points.
Can Austria Win the World Cup?
Winning the World Cup would be a monumental achievement for Austria, but football has seen remarkable underdog stories. Teams ranked in the 20-40 range typically aim for knockout stage qualification, though deeper runs are possible.
More realistically, Austria will focus on advancing from their group and competing in the Round of 32 or Round of 16. Success at this tournament would build a foundation for future World Cups and inspire the next generation of players from Austria.
World Cup History
Austria has appeared in 7 FIFA World Cup tournaments, demonstrating their status as a consistent qualifier on the global stage.
Their best result was Third Place (1954), showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level of international football.
They last competed in the 2022 World Cup. As recent participants, they bring current tournament experience to 2026.
Having competed in several World Cups, Austria has developed a tournament pedigree that will serve them well in 2026.
Predict Austria's Tournament Journey
Build your complete World Cup 2026 bracket: rank all 12 groups, select third-place qualifiers, and pick your champion. Free, no login required.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Austria play at World Cup 2026?▾
Austria will play their first group stage match on June 16, 2026 against Jordan. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group J with Austria?▾
Austria has been drawn into Group J alongside Argentina, Algeria and Jordan. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is Austria's best World Cup finish?▾
Austria's best World Cup finish is Third Place (1954). This represents their peak performance at the World Cup and demonstrates their ability to compete at the highest level of international football.
Can Austria win the World Cup 2026?▾
Austria can compete with any team on their day and could potentially make a deep run if things align. Ranked #22 in FIFA rankings, they're considered a dark horse — not among the top favorites, but capable of surprising people. World Cup history shows teams at this level can reach semi-finals or finals with strong performances and a bit of luck. An outright win would be a remarkable achievement but isn't impossible.