Austria will end its 28-year exile from the World Cup by facing Jordan in Santa Clara, California, on June 14, 2026 [1, 2]. The match will be held at the stadium of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.
Austria was a strong football nation in the mid-20th century, reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 1954 and the quarterfinals in 1978 [1, 2]. After decades away from the global stage, the team showed promise at Euro 2024, reaching the last 16 before losing a classic match to Turkey [1, 2].
The Austrian squad will include attacking midfielder Christoph Baumgartner, who is nursing a serious thigh injury but remains as a talisman. Baumgartner said, "Rehabilitation is obviously the main focus because I help everyone most by getting fit as quickly as possible. But beyond that I'll try to contribute however I can" [1].
Two young additions, Paul Wanner (20) and Carney Chukwuemeka (22), recently switched allegiance to Austria and may have increased roles during the World Cup [1, 2]. Both confirmed their change of nationality in March 2026.
Their opponents, Jordan, will be making their World Cup debut and are considered an emerging Arabian football power [1, 2]. Coached by Moroccan Jamal Sellami, Jordan reached the 2023 Asian Cup and 2025 Arab Cup finals in recent years [1, 2].
Jordan’s forward Yazan Al-Naimat, the top scorer in qualification with eight goals, will miss the tournament due to a knee injury sustained in December 2025 [1, 2]. Defender Mohammad Abu Ghosh was a late call-up, replacing Ibrahim Sabra in the squad [1, 2].
The June 14 match in Santa Clara will showcase Austria’s return to the World Cup and Jordan’s first appearance on football’s biggest stage.