Austria squad set: BVB duo book World Cup spots | OneFootball

Algeria, Argentina, Jordan: These are the teams awaiting Austria at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA, which begins on June 11. Reaching the knockout stage is considered the minimum target. Two Borussia Dortmund players are also expected to help with that.

“Over the course of last week, we already spent a lot of time looking closely at what the squad would look like. There were certainly a few cases that were not so easy to decide. That mainly concerns the position in central defense,” explained head coach Ralf Rangnick (67) on the ÖFB website during the presentation of his squad on Monday (May 18).

Rangnick continued: “In the end, we decided based on what we already knew anyway and on what is needed for a tournament like this, one that lasts longer. We want to go as far as possible at the World Cup. We tried to call up the best players, but also those who are the right fit for the way we play.”

The “right fit” also includes two BVB professionals. As expected, Marcel Sabitzer has been given a place in the squad. The 32-year-old midfield engine has made 97 appearances for the Alpine republic so far, scoring 25 goals in the process. His first appearance in the national team shirt was almost 14 years ago now. He made his debut in June 2012 in a 0-0 draw against Romania. Sabitzer has taken part in three European Championships with Austria (2016, 2021, 2024).

Rangnick: I believe we are capable of a lot

The second Dortmund player in Austria’s squad is almost even more of a newcomer. Carney Chukwuemeka only switched from the English to the Austrian association in March 2026. The 22-year-old midfielder has made just two appearances so far for his country of birth. On his debut against Ghana (5-1), he got on the scoresheet straight away. Club teammate Sabitzer provided the assist for his goal to make it 4-1.

Photo: Getty Images

“If everyone stays healthy, then we are very satisfied, and then I believe we are capable of a lot with this squad. We want to go further than at the EURO. That means we want to advance from the group and then at least get through the first playoff match as well,” Rangnick said, setting the round of 16 as the minimum target.

Austria will be taking part in a World Cup for the first time since 1998. The country’s greatest success dates back much further, however. At the tournament in Spain in 1982, the Alpine republic reached the second final group stage.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.