Expectations for the 2026 World Cup continue to rise. While the Argentina national team is still working on its preliminary squad list, one of its toughest rivals in Group J, Austria, has announced its final roster of 26 players selected by coach Ralf Rangnick for the tournament in North America.
The return of a traditional force with its biggest stars
The European side seals its return to a World Cup after 28 years away and arrives hoping to be the group’s main contender. The squad is led by captain and Real Madrid leader David Alaba. Alongside him are top continental stars such as Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund), Konrad Laimer (Bayern Munich), and their all-time leading scorer, Marko Arnautovic.
The biggest challenge for the world champions
Austria qualified directly after topping Group H in the UEFA qualifiers with an outstanding record: six wins, one draw, and just one defeat, scoring 22 goals and conceding only 4. The much-anticipated clash against the "Albiceleste" will take place on June 22 in the group’s second matchday, a showdown that promises to be crucial for both nations’ ambitions.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.
