Austria's football miracle: World Cup qualifier with victory against Romania!

Austria's football miracle: World Cup qualifier with victory against Romania!

Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Wien, Österreich - Austria has a successful start with a 2-1 win against Romania in the World Cup qualification. The game took place on June 7, 2025 in the sold-out Ernst Happel Stadium. The next opponent in Group H is San Marino, against whom it will be played on June 10th. Team boss Ralf Rangnick has been optimistic because Austria has the chance to qualify for a World Cup after more than 25 years, after all, this was last the case in 1998.
In the qualification group H, which, in addition to Romania, also includes Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus, the Austrian national team is considered a favorite. Rangnick can count on a strong squad, even if some players are injured, including David Alaba, who recovered from a cruciate ligament rupture.

squad and training before the San Marino game

After the victory against Romania, all players who played less than half trained in rain. Marko Arnautovic, who did not take part and regenerated playing training in the past game, will join the training group on Monday. The central defender Gernot Trauner is ready for use after his lock. Rangnick will travel to Rimini next Monday with 26 players, where the team will play the second qualification game against San Marino. Offensive player Raul Florucz, who previously had muscular problems, will also travel with the team.

The current group table looks as follows:

goals of the national team

Austria aims to win the group win, since only the first place winner is qualified directly for the 2026 World Cup. Group seconds would have to go to the playoffs, which increases the relevance of each game. The next step in qualification will be crucial to protect the chances of participating in the World Cup. Austria's national team had failed in the past six qualification rounds and is now aiming to return to international fame.
The team has already celebrated success in the Nations League and reached the round of 16 of the European Championship in 2024 before it left Turkey. Now it is important to continue the positive developments and convince against the upcoming opponents.

The situation in the group and the shape curve of the ÖFB team are promising. With a well-coordinated squad and strategic planning through Rangnick, the dream of the World Cup qualification could come true. For the players and fans, the support remains of great importance on the way to the 2026 World Cup premiere.