Austria's goalkeeper dilemma: Who will be the undisputed number one?

Austria's goalkeeper dilemma: Who will be the undisputed number one?

Austria's national football team faces a crucial phase in the World Cup qualification. On June 7, 2025, the team in Vienna meets Romania. The game is the start of the qualification round for the 2026 World Cup in North America, where Austria strives for a return after more than 25 years. In Group H, the ÖFB team also meets Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus and San Marino.

coach Ralf Rangnick and his team put high expectations of this qualification after the promotion to league A of the Nations League has not been achieved. In the play-off last year, the team Serbia lost 0-2, but Rangnick remains optimistic and clearly sees the bigger goal. Nine potential regular players were injured in the game against Serbia, including greats such as David Alaba and Marko Arnautović.

goalkeeper question and team squad

A central topic that the team deals with is the search for an undisputed regular goalkeeper. Since the departure of Robert Almer, there have been difficulties, apart from injuries and a lack of game practice. OFB goalkeeper coach Michael Gspurning still sees no problems in the goalkeeper position before the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Patrick Pentz, Tobias Lawal, Nikolas Polster and Nicolas Schmid are currently in the team camp in Seefeld, while Alexander Schlager is injured.

pentz will probably be in action against Romania. Gspurning has great confidence in the goalkeepers who support each other and inspire each other. Pentz, who is considered mentally strong, was highlighted by Gspurning. Rangnick sometimes expressed that the competition between Schlager and Pentz is still tight, although Austria only played twice to zero in the last 15 games.

World Cup qualification and expectations

To secure the World Cup ticket, a group victory is sought. Second place would result in a duel in the play-offs. In the table with zero points, Austria is currently fourth in the group, behind Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania and Cyprus.

For the upcoming matchday, it is crucial that top performers such as Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer build on their best form. The debut of the newcomers Nikolas Veratschnig and Thierno Ballo in the squad could make additional dynamics into the team. Rangnick emphasizes that the importance of the World Cup qualification is all the higher because many players have the chance to play on the international stage at a big tournament.

The final preparations run in the Ernst Happel Stadium, where the fans hope for a passionate presentation of the team on June 7th. Austria should prove that it is willing to give everything to participate in the World Cup.

The current facts for the World Cup qualification:

• Austria vs Romania on June 07, 2025
• San Marino VS Austria on June 10, 2025
• Austria VS Cyprus on September 06, 2025
• Bosnia-Herzegovina VS Austria on September 9, 2025
• Austria VS San Marino on October 9, 2025
• Romania vs Austria on October 12, 2025
• Cyprus VS Austria on November 15, 2025
• Austria VS Bosnia-Herzegovina on November 18, 2025

Overall, the Austrian team remains optimistic and combative, while the view is clearly focused on the 2026 World Cup, where you want to present yourself on a big stage again after a long time. Rangnick and his players are ready to accept the challenges on the way there.

For more information about the situation in the team, visit Laola1.at, oe24.at and Fussball-wm.pro.