Gregoritsch: The best day of my life” – World Cup qualifying goal thrilled!

Gregoritsch: The best day of my life” – World Cup qualifying goal thrilled!

On November 19, 2025, the Austrian national team experienced a memorable evening in World Cup qualification. With his decisive goal in the 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Michael Gregoritsch not only secured the point that led to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, but also described this day as “the best day of my footballing life” reports Laola1.

Gregoritsch, who only came on in the 77th minute, immediately sensed that this evening could be something special. “If I didn’t believe in myself in situations like this, who would?” said the 31-year-old confidently after the game. Teammate Patrick Wimmer emphasized Gregoritsch's instinct: "We all know that 'Gregerl' has a nose."

Emotional moments and return after 28 years

The goal in the final phase caused great joy on the ÖFB bench and confirmed Austria's return to a World Cup finals after 28 years. The last participation was in 1998 and Gregoritsch is proud to be part of this successful generation, having qualified for three of the last four major events explains the World Cup portal.

Team boss Ralf Rangnick emphasized the importance of trusting players and praised Gregoritsch despite his limited playing time at the club. The striker, who has already scored 23 international goals, is optimistic about the upcoming games in America and wants to involve the media in the preparation process. “These moments will stay with me forever,” he added emotionally.

The path to the 2026 World Cup and Group H

Austria topped Group H of the World Cup qualification with 19 points from eight matchdays. The team was able to prove itself against strong opponents such as Romania and Bosnia-Herzegovina and is striving to win the group for direct World Cup qualification. The ÖFB team failed three times before in the World Cup qualifying rounds, but now they are close to the goal. Second place would result in a playoff against the best teams in the Nations League says Ö24.

The group stage includes the following opponents: Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus and San Marino. Despite the challenge, the team around captain David Alaba, who is returning from injury, is optimistic about the future. This positive development is rounded off by a successful round of 16 at the 2024 European Championship, where Austria lost to Turkey.

While Austria concentrates on preparing for the World Cup, the resting point remains Gregoritsch, whose humorous comments about his body - even after the game - contribute to the team spirit. His goal and the emotions of the evening are not only a personal reward, but also a clear expression of the success and endurance of Austrian football.