ÖFB team before World Cup qualification: Pressure is growing, home win against Romania is a must!

ÖFB team before World Cup qualification: Pressure is growing, home win against Romania is a must!

Josef Pröll is the new chairman of the ÖFB supervisory board and recently held initial discussions with the national players. He felt great expectations and hopes regarding World Cup qualification. June 6, 2025 marks the start of World Cup qualification with a crucial home game against Romania. Pröll said that a false start, especially not winning a match against Romania, would have devastating consequences. The last encounter against Romania in 2020 ended in a defeat for Austria.

However, team boss Ralf Rangnick and the players are optimistic. Despite a recent “win trilogy” with a draw and a defeat, they have not lost their confidence in their own strength. The team's last convincing performance was a 5-1 win against Norway in October. The next challenge is against Bosnia in Zenica on September 9th.

Preparation for the World Cup qualification

Rangnick analyzed the final tables from previous World Cup qualifications and realized that Austria had to approach things differently this time. The goal is clear: a home win against Romania in the Ernst Happel Stadium. Players like Stefan Posch have expressed a desire to go to the World Cup, emphasizing the importance of the first game. Patrick Pentz will also be in goal, while the back four consists of Posch, Philipp Lienhart, Kevin Danso and Philipp Mwene. Konrad Laimer and Nicolas Seiwald operate in central midfield.

The offensive game is led by Marko Arnautovic, who, despite losing the Champions League final, has Rangnick's complete trust. What is impressive is that Ramnick recognized the problems in evaluating opportunities; the team needs to become more efficient. Romania are considered to be one of the stronger opponents, especially with their pace setter Nicolae Stanciu and strong dribbling wingers like Florin Tanase and Dennis Man.

Goal of World Cup qualification in 2026

Austria would like to qualify for a World Cup finals again after more than 25 years. The last time the national team was able to take part in a World Cup was in 1998. Group H, in which Austria plays, includes Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus and San Marino. The first games are crucial to secure group victory, which would mean direct World Cup qualification, while the second group has to go to the playoffs.

In this context, the current table is listed with ÖFB in last place, with no points after the first series of games. However, Rangnick wants to lead his team out of this position. The role of top performers such as Arnautović, Laimer and Sabitzer will be crucial for the course of this qualification.

The pressure on the team is high. A win against Romania could set the direction and make it possible to win the group. The entire football community in Austria is looking forward to the first World Cup qualifier as there is great hope of a return to the world stage.