RBL trio set for Messi meeting at World Cup | OneFootball

Christoph Baumgartner, Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager have, as expected, been named in the Austria squad for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The RBL trio have been selected by Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick in his 26-man squad for the tournament. Former Leipzig players Konrad Laimer (FC Bayern) and Marcel Sabitzer (Borussia Dortmund) have also been called up.

A strong qualification campaign

It marks the fulfilment of a huge dream for our players. World Cup qualification is by no means a given for Austria, with the country last appearing at the biggest tournament in world football in France in 1998.

Ralf Rangnick’s team impressed throughout qualifying. Six wins, one draw and just one defeat earned Austria 19 points, enough to finish top of Group H, ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 17 points, and qualify directly for the tournament.

Clash with Messi in Group J

There is already a major highlight in store for the Austrian trio during the group stage in North and Central America, with Austria drawn in Group J alongside reigning champions Argentina and superstar Lionel Messi.

Baumi said of the challenge: “Playing against Lionel Messi at what will probably be his last World Cup is obviously something special, and we’re really looking forward to it. We’ll need to perform at our very best, and we can’t wait for it all to get started.”

Seiwald aiming high

Austria’s other two opponents, Algeria and Jordan, go into the group as outsiders. That leaves Austria with a strong chance of reaching the next round, especially given the format: as well as the winners and runners-up from each group, the eight best third-placed teams will also qualify for the knockout stage.

Nici Seiwald believes Austria can go far at the World Cup. Speaking to Servus TV, he made his view clear: “I can feel that we’re capable of achieving something big, but we have to give 100% in every game. Otherwise, we won’t beat Jordan either. Failing to make the most of our potential would be a massive missed opportunity.” 

Austria's three group games:

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