Toni Polster: Austria's World Cup future and Arnautovic in focus!

Toni Polster: Austria's World Cup future and Arnautovic in focus!

Toni Polster, one of the most famous strikers in Austrian football history, takes stock of the national team's long dry spell without taking part in a World Cup. Austria has not taken part in a world tournament since its last participation in the World Cup in 1998, in which Polster acted as captain. The team's early elimination against Cameroon, Chile and Italy left a bitter taste in his mouth. Austria's last appearance ended on June 23, 1998 with a 1-2 defeat against Italy. As [oe24.at](https://www.oe24.at/sport/fussball/weltchampionship/toni- Polster-ueber-oesterreichs-wm-opportunities-und-arnautovic-vergleich/636240591) reports, Polster sees parallels between himself and current star Marko Arnautovic and is of the opinion that the two would have harmonized well if he had been in his best form.

“I never thought it would take so long for Austria to take part in a World Cup again,” admitted Polster in an interview with the platform [kicker.at](https://www.kicker.at/arnautovic-und-ich-haetten-uns-gut-ergaenzt- Polster-ueber-oesterreichs-chte-wm-und-die-chance-2026-1123852/artikel). Austria's most important striker of the last 40 years also speaks about the current situation in amateur football and calls for planned structures, as the lack of clarity about promotion and relegation in the regional league causes existential concerns for many clubs.

World Cup history and challenges

The Austrian national team has an eventful history in the World Cup. The first time they took part was in 1934, and since then the Austrians have qualified several times, most recently in 1998. The previous participations are reminiscent of eventful times, including the successes in 1954, when Austria was able to hold its own against major football nations, but also of painful farewells in later years. According to Wikipedia, Austria was unable to qualify for the last six World Cups.

Polster, who scored a total of 44 goals for his KSC and the Austrian national team and has now been a coach at Wiener Viktoria for 14 years, speaks openly about his experiences. Between his memories of the World Cup participation and the team's current situation, he describes the challenges and opportunities that await the team on the way to the 2026 World Cup. This qualification will be particularly important for Austria in order to finally be represented at a major tournament again.

“I am optimistic for the 2026 World Cup,” emphasizes Polster, as he believes in the quality of the current team. His displeasure over the loss of three unrecognized international goals against the ÖFB is over, but his patriotism is unmistakable when he talks about the special moment of his captaincy - a moment that is a great honor for every player.