After successfully qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and returning to the big football stage after 28 years, the Austrian national team under head coach Ralf Rangnick has reached an important milestone. At the final tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, Austria managed to reach the knockout phase, but had to admit defeat to Spain in the Round of 16 with a 0:3 loss. Now the focus is already on the next big mission: the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Austria wants to be represented at the next World Cup and continue its positive development.
Rangnick, who has been head coach since 2022 and extended his contract in June 2026 until Euro 2028, continues to pursue a clear sporting philosophy: intensive pressing, aggressive counter-pressing and courageous football. The former RB Leipzig coach, who also served as interim manager at Manchester United, has given the team a recognizable identity. Austria already impressed at Euro 2024 with a group win ahead of France and the Netherlands, but was subsequently eliminated in the round of 16 against Turkey.
A central role falls to Konrad Laimer. The midfielder at FC Bayern Munich has developed into an important leader through his running, strength in duels and versatility. Although David Alaba continues to be the designated captain, Laimer is increasingly taking on responsibility on the pitch. At the 2026 World Cup, Alaba led the team as captain. Together with Marcel Sabitzer, Xaver Schlager and other key players, Laimer should continue to form an important pillar in Austrian football in the future.
The end of Marko Arnautović's national team career marks a particular turning point. Austria's record goalscorer announced his retirement from the national team after the 2026 World Cup. With 49 goals in 137 international matches, the striker leaves behind an extraordinary record. At the World Cup final tournament, the now 37-year-old was still part of Austria's squad and scored a goal against Algeria. His experience and significance for the team will continue to play an important role in memories of this generation even after his departure. Now younger players like Patrick Wimmer and Romano Schmid must take on greater responsibility.
Sportingly, the long-term goal is to qualify Austria for the next World Cup. In the World Cup qualification, UEFA nations compete for coveted spots in the XXL tournament with 48 participants. The specific draw procedures and format of the European qualification will be decisive for the next qualification phase. Austria has worked itself into a good international starting position with its recent performances: in the FIFA World Rankings, the ÖFB team was ranked 22nd on October 7, 2026. However, a later seeding classification for the 2030 World Cup qualification cannot yet be definitively derived from this.
The tournament itself will be historic: To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first World Cup in 1930, the 2030 World Cup will take place in six countries and on three continents for the first time. Morocco, Portugal and Spain are the main hosts. In addition, three anniversary matches will be held in South America – one each in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. All known information about venues and dates is compiled in the 2030 World Cup schedule.
In conclusion, a historical look: Austria finished third at the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland and thus achieved its best World Cup placement to date. As early as 1934, the Austrian national team as the legendary "Wunderteam" reached the semi-finals, but failed there with a 0:1 loss to host Italy and subsequently finished fourth. After the long World Cup break between 1998 and 2026, the return to the international stage has succeeded. Rangnick, Laimer and the next generation want to continue this upward trend – with the goal of having Austria represented at a World Cup again in 2030.