"The toughest day of my career" | OneFootball

While warming up for the friendly against Tunisia on Monday evening, Christoph Baumgartner felt a sharp pain in his thigh. A few hours later, the sad news was confirmed: the 26-year-old will miss the 2026 World Cup with Austria. An MRI scan showed that Baumi had suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh.

The attacking midfielder had enjoyed a fantastic season and headed off to Austria’s World Cup camp having recorded the most goal contributions of any RBL player in 2025/26 (17 goals and 9 assists). Austria national coach Ralf Rangnick had planned a key role for him at their first World Cup in 28 years.

“Sadly, my big dream of playing at a World Cup is over,” Baumi posted on Instagram. “I still can’t believe it. This is the toughest day of my career – and it will definitely take me a while to process this setback.” The attacker had missed just one game on the road to the World Cup, contributing one goal and two assists in seven appearances during Austria’s successful qualifying campaign. The only time Rangnick had voluntarily rested one of his most-used players came in the 10-0 win over San Marino.

Rangnick was also deeply affected by Baumi’s injury: “This is obviously very sad news for Christoph and for us as a team. He is an important player and a central figure within our squad. Our full support now goes towards his recovery.”

Focusing on his return

Despite the devastating news, the Austrian is already looking ahead: “Once the initial disappointment has passed, I will do everything I can to get back on the pitch as quickly as possible – and stronger than ever before.” He also wished his teammates “all the very best from the bottom of my heart” for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. “Show what a special team we are!”

For Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager and Co., the World Cup begins on 17th June at 06:00 CEST with their opening game against Jordan. Their other group-stage opponents are Argentina on 22nd June at 19:00 CEST and Algeria on 28th June at 04:00 CEST.

Full support for Baumi

“The injury has hit us all hard. Above all, we feel deeply sorry for him personally, because he worked towards the World Cup with such excitement and enormous commitment,” explained Marcel Schäfer, RBL'S managing director for sport.

It goes without saying that the attacking midfielder will receive the Red Bulls’ maximum support on his road back. “Baumi is not only an outstanding player for us, but also an important character in our team. He is an absolute fighter as well, and we are convinced that he will overcome this setback with his positive nature and great mentality,” Schäfer added.

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