Austria return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year absence, with an almost flawless qualifying campaign (six wins, one draw, one loss) under manager Ralf Rangnick. Drawn into Group J alongside defending champions Argentina, Algeria and Jordan, Austria — led by captain David Alaba and veteran striker Marko Arnautović — face arguably the toughest possible Pot 1 opponent, but a Euro 2024-honed identity gives them genuine belief.
| Appearances | 8 |
| Best Finish | Third place (1954) |
| Last Appearance | 1998 (group stage) |
| 2022 Result | Did not qualify |
David Alaba anchors the defence as captain despite recent injury struggles, bringing Bayern Munich and Real Madrid pedigree. Marcel Sabitzer, a 2024 Champions League finalist with Borussia Dortmund, drives midfield creativity and is set to win his 100th cap at the tournament. Marko Arnautović, 37, leads the attack as Austria's record goalscorer and most-capped player.
Group J is dominated by the presence of defending champions Argentina, but Austria's qualifying form — winning six of eight matches and conceding only four goals — suggests genuine quality. Jordan and Algeria represent more realistic opponents for points, and a strong finish against Algeria could secure runners-up spot behind Argentina, setting up a potential round-of-32 clash with Spain if both finish as expected.
Austria's 28-year wait for a World Cup return, combined with Ralf Rangnick's high-pressing identity (which delivered wins over the Netherlands and Poland at Euro 2024), makes this a genuinely exciting Austria side — not just participants. The Argentina vs Austria clash pits Messi's Argentina against a team that conceded almost nothing in qualifying, while 37-year-old Marko Arnautović chasing more goals as Austria's all-time record scorer adds a personal storyline.
Austria matches will be shown on T Sports and Sony Sports in Bangladesh. The Argentina vs Austria fixture on June 22 in Dallas is essential viewing given Argentina's massive Bangladeshi following — many Bangladeshi Messi fans will be watching Austria as Argentina's opponent in this match.