How our Red Bulls are shaping up ahead of the World Cup | OneFootball

The final warm-up games are done, and from Thursday the battle for the World Cup trophy begins in the USA, Mexico and Canada. How are our lads looking? What roles will they play for their countries? And how far can they go?

Read on for our pre-tournament overview before the group stage kicks off. 

Can the Vikings conquer North America?

Norway’s squad photo has already made quite the impression: 26 players in front of a stunning backdrop, with longboats and Viking outfits. Right in the middle of it all was our attacker Antonio Nusa, complete with helmet and shield.

Norway also head to the World Cup with real momentum. The Scandinavians are being tipped as dark horses in plenty of power rankings, and Erling Haaland and Co. sealed their ticket to North America with a perfect record of eight games, eight wins and 37 goals – the best return of any European side to qualify for the tournament. 

For their first World Cup appearance in 28 years, national team head coach Ståle Solbakken has a high-quality squad at his disposal. Alongside Haaland and Nusa, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard and former Leipzig striker Alexander Sørloth, now at Atlético Madrid, are among the key attacking figures. At the back, our former goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland of Sevilla and Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson are among those providing stability.

In-form Nusa heading to the World Cup as a regular starter

Our number seven started both of Norway’s final two friendlies and was one of the standout performers in the 3-1 win over Sweden, scoring once and posing a constant attacking threat. Ten days before their World Cup opener, Norway then drew 1-1 with reigning African champions Morocco.

Norway go into the game against Iraq as clear favourites. With their attacking firepower, though, the Vikings will also fancy their chances of making a mark against Senegal and France. The “golden generation” want to leave their mark in North America – and take in the World Cup atmosphere, as Toni explained: “The World Cup is every footballer’s dream. For me and the team, it’s about enjoying the tournament.”

There could even be a Leipzig reunion in a potential round of 32 or last-16 tie. Germany could be waiting for the Scandinavians if they progress as runners-up or as one of the eight best third-placed sides.

A special return and a late boost to the squad

The 2024 African champions and 2025 semi-finalists head to the World Cup with one of the tournament’s most exciting attacking set-ups. Our rising star Yan Diomande is already being tipped as a serious contender for the Best Young Player award before the tournament has even begun.

Alongside him, Manchester United’s Amad Diallo and Evann Guessand of Conference League winners Crystal Palace bring pace, skill and goal threat. Shortly before the World Cup, national team coach Emerson Faé was also able to welcome back two high-profile reinforcements: striker Elye Wahi, formerly of Frankfurt and now at Nice, and defender Guéla Doué of RC Strasbourg, the older brother of PSG star Désiré Doué, have both switched national allegiance. Both were born and raised in France but have Ivorian roots.

Diomande set for the biggest stage in world football

Les Éléphants showed just how dangerous they can be in their final warm-up game. In Nantes, they stunned World Cup favourites France with bold, high-tempo football and won 2-1 thanks to goals from Diallo and Doué. Yan and Co. had also beaten two more World Cup participants in South Korea and Scotland, winning 4-0 and 1-0 respectively.

Confidence is understandably high ahead of the opener against Ecuador – a game that could immediately set the tone for the rest of the group stage.

For Yan, this World Cup is also special on a personal level. From 2022 to 2024, he played for the DME Academy in Florida before making the move to Europe. Back then, he was still largely unknown. Now he returns to the USA and could become one of the faces of the tournament.

Rangnick’s side face a major test

Like Norway, Austria travel to the World Cup with a side already regarded back home as one of the best national teams the country has ever had. After their last-16 exit against Turkey at EURO 2024 in Leipzig, the team featuring Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager will be aiming for another deep run in North America.

Shortly before the tournament, however, national team head coach Ralf Rangnick was dealt a major setback. Our leading goal contributor Christoph Baumgartner, who had been central to Austria’s plans, will miss the World Cup with a thigh injury.

Austria can only absorb that loss collectively, and with the help of their experienced group of Bundesliga players. Marcel Sabitzer of Dortmund, Werder Bremen’s Romano Schmid, FC Augsburg’s Michael Gregoritsch and new Hoffenheim signing Patrick Wimmer will be expected to provide pace, runs in behind and moments of quality.

Final pre-World Cup friendly called off at short notice

Austria’s final warm-up game against Guatemala in Pasadena was cancelled after the Central Americans had also arranged a match on the same date against Ecuador. The Austrian federation decided not to arrange a replacement match and instead trained at their base camp in Santa Barbara.

Jordan, the clear underdogs in the group, await in their opening group stage match. After that comes a meeting with reigning world champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Austria’s final group game against Algeria could then decide who progresses.

Another heavyweight could then be waiting for them in the round of 32: Spain.

Leipzig duo among the title hopefuls

Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, France, Spain – when the favourites to lift the World Cup are discussed, Germany tend to follow a little later. But our duo of David Raum and Assan Ouédraogo head into the tournament with big ambitions. The dream of returning home with a fifth star is well and truly alive.

What gives Germany hope? A strong blend of experience and hungry young talent, the team spirit, a run of nine straight wins and a manageable group. If Germany reach the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2014 World Cup, Paraguay could await in the round of 32. A potential last-16 tie could then bring a face-off with France.

A win over the two-time world champions would confirm Germany as genuine title contenders.

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