ÖFB team in front of the World Cup qualifier: Pressure grows, home win against Romania is mandatory!

ÖFB team in front of the World Cup qualifier: Pressure grows, home win against Romania is mandatory!

Ernst-Happel-Stadion, 1030 Wien, Österreich - Josef Pröll is the new chairman of the ÖFB supervisory board and recently had initial discussions with the national players. He felt great expectations and hopes regarding the World Cup qualification. June 6, 2025 marks the start of the World Cup qualification with a decisive home game against Romania. Pröll expressed that a false start, especially a not obtained match against Romania, had devastating consequences. The last encounter against Romania ended in 2020 with a defeat for Austria.

Team boss Ralf Rangnick and the players are optimistic. Despite a recent "winning trilogy" with draws and a defeat, they have not lost their trust in their own strength. The last convincing performance of the team was a 5-1 win against Norway in October. On September 9th, the next challenge against Bosnia in Zenica.

preparation for the World Cup qualification

Rangnick analyzed the final tables of the past World Cup qualifications and recognized that Austria has to be a little different this time. The goal is clear: a home win against Romania in the Ernst Happel Stadium. Players like Stefan Posch expressed the desire to drive to the World Cup, emphasizing the importance of the first game. Patrick Pentz will also be in the goal, while the chain of four of Posch, Philipp Lienhart, Kevin Danso and Philipp Mwene consists. Konrad Laimer and Nicolas Seiwald operate in the central midfield.

The offensive game is led by Marko Arnautovic, who, despite a lost Champions League final, receives full trust from Rangnick. It is impressive that Ramnick recognized the problems in the opportunities for opportunities; The team has to become more efficient. Romania are expected to be the stronger opponents, especially with their clock vigor Nicolae Stanciu and dribble -strong wing players such as Florin Tanase and Dennis Man.

goal World Cup qualification 2026

Austria would like to qualify for a World Cup finals after more than 25 years. Most recently, the national team was able to take part in a World Cup in 1998. In addition to Romania, the group H, in which Austria plays, also includes Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus and San Marino. The first games are crucial to secure the group victory, which would mean a direct World Cup qualification, while the group runs in the playoffs.

In this context, the current table with ÖFB is led in the last place, without points after the first row of games. Rangnick wants to lead his team out of this position. The role of the 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 victory against Romania could specify the direction and enable the targeted group victory. All of Austria's football is looking forward to the first World Cup qualification game, since the hope of returning to the world stage is great.