Pröll's vision for the ÖFB: team spirit, calm and World Cup dreams 2026!

Pröll's vision for the ÖFB: team spirit, calm and World Cup dreams 2026!

Österreich, Land - Josef Pröll has recently been the new president of the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB). With this election, which goes back to a surprising invitation from the election commission, he would like to bring peace and unity to the association. He emphasizes the unanimity that prevailed during the Annual General Meeting and announces that he will not bring any party -political approaches into his function. Pröll recognizes the extensive challenges that have grown in the ÖFB for decades and wants to actively tackle them. His goal is to bring calm and stability into the association and give team boss Ralf Rangnick the opportunity to work in peace. In a clear confession, Pröll said that the entire team had to be behind Rangnick. The new president has already had an exchange with Rangnick and Captain David Alaba and signals his support for everyone who wants to work constructively in Austrian football. At the same time, he indicates that there could be changes in ÖFB in the future to create the prerequisites for a successful World Cup qualification in 2026.

World Cup qualification 2026 as a destination

Pröll expresses the clear wish that the Austrian national team will take part in the 2026 World Cup in North America. This World Cup will be held for the first time in three countries - USA, Canada and Mexico - and comprises a total of 48 teams entitled to participate. This represents an increase in the number of European types from 13 to 16, which could increase Austria's chances of qualification. This perspective is particularly welcome after Austria was unsuccessful in the previous World Cup qualification for 2022 and had announced his withdrawal from the qualification after a defeat against Denmark.

Pröll plans to make his debut as an ÖFB boss at the Nations League game of women on June 3. He also supports the discussion about the need for a new arena, but realizes that financial challenges are to be mastered. With his calm approach, he would like to lay basic stones for a positive development of Austrian football and create the basis for future successes.