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Austria
UEFA · J3 · Pot 3
Second favouritesGroup J fixtures
Key players to watch
David Alaba
CB · Real Madrid · C
Captain and the squad's biggest name; a four-time Champions League winner who marshals the defence and strikes set pieces.
Captain · set pieces
Marko Arnautović
FW · Red Star Belgrade
The veteran talisman and all-time top scorer (47) at likely his last tournament; still the main reference up front.
Talisman striker
Marcel Sabitzer
MF · Borussia Dortmund
Experienced, goal-getting midfielder and the creative fulcrum of Rangnick's side.
Midfield fulcrum
Konrad Laimer
MF · Bayern Munich
Relentless, versatile runner who embodies Rangnick's high-pressing style; can play midfield or full-back.
Pressing engine
Christoph Baumgartner
MF · RB Leipzig
Energetic attacking midfielder who arrives in the box and presses from the front.
Attacking mid
Kevin Danso
CB · Tottenham
Athletic, Premier League-tested centre-back partnering Alaba at the back.
Defensive partner
Goals & output
Arnautović leads the line with Gregoritsch and Kalajdžić as alternatives, while goals also come from midfield through Sabitzer and Baumgartner. Rangnick's high press manufactures chances.
Set-piece duties
Penalties
Marko Arnautović
Free kicks
David Alaba
Corners
Sabitzer / Baumgartner
Arnautović is the penalty option, with Alaba a renowned free-kick specialist and the corners shared by Sabitzer and Baumgartner. Set pieces are a real weapon for a physical, well-drilled side.
Discipline read
▲An aggressive pressing side that commits plenty of fouls high up the pitch, so the card count can run above average.
Recent form
Back at a World Cup for the first time since 1998 after topping their UEFA qualifying group ahead of Bosnia and Romania. Under Ralf Rangnick — the gegenpressing pioneer — Austria have become organised, intense and Bundesliga-hardened, with a strong spine. Their best-ever finish was third, back in 1954.
Head-to-head history
v Jordan (17 Jun)
No prior meetings
A first meeting; Austria will be favourites to open with a win in Santa Clara.
v Argentina (22 Jun)
Negligible history
Little meaningful record; the group's standout fixture against the world champions in Dallas.
v Algeria (28 Jun)
Negligible history
Scarce record; a potentially decisive final-day game in Kansas City.
Underdog & betting read
The verdict
The clear second favourites and the toughest obstacle to Argentina in the group — cohesive, fit and well-coached. A strong pick to qualify, with Arnautović likely bowing out at his final tournament.