From an Austrian point of view it's the story of World Cup kickoff day: Dejan Ljubicic is going to the tournament after all. Austria coach Ralf Rangnick called up the Schalke 04 midfielder for the injured Christoph Baumgartner — and he lands at the ÖFB quarters in California today, Thursday. For Ljubicic it's more than a last-minute ticket: it's a comeback after more than two and a half years without a cap.
As of June 11, 2026.
Who is Dejan Ljubicic?
Ljubicic, born on October 8, 1997 in Vienna, is an experienced, versatile midfielder at 28. His roots are in a Bosnian-Croatian family from Busovača, but he learned his football the classic Viennese way — at Favoritner AC and then SK Rapid Wien, where he spent almost his entire youth.
The career: from Rapid via Cologne and Zagreb to Schalke
In 2021, after 15 years at Rapid, Ljubicic made the leap to the German Bundesliga with 1. FC Köln. He became a regular there: four seasons, 122 competitive games, 16 goals. After a short spell at Dinamo Zagreb, he joined FC Schalke 04 in the second division in January 2026 — where fellow Austrian Miron Muslic is head coach. In spring he played every game: 15 appearances, four goals, three assists. That consistency made him the hottest candidate when Rangnick needed a replacement.
The national-team comeback
The twist: Ljubicic last wore the Austria shirt more than two and a half years ago. He has nine caps to his name — and the 2026 World Cup is now the chance to reopen that chapter. In the internal race for the open spot he beat out, among others, LASK captain Sascha Horvath. Rangnick made the call on Wednesday evening, completing Austria's squad just in time for kickoff.
What Ljubicic brings to Austria
Ljubicic is flexible across midfield and can also play down the right at Schalke. Key point: he is not a like-for-like for Baumgartner. Baumgartner was the box-crashing eight with a goal threat; Ljubicic brings more robustness, vision and versatility to the centre. Above all, Rangnick gains options — a six, an eight or a half-space role depending on the opponent. He's unlikely to take over Baumgartner's specific role alone; that gets shared with Marcel Sabitzer and the others.
What it means for your prediction round
Late squad changes are exactly the details that spice up a tournament prediction game. Ljubicic isn't a nailed-on starter, but he's the kind of option Rangnick could pull out against deep-sitting sides like Jordan. If you're tipping Austria's opener, keep him in mind. In the AI League you can see how ten AI models read Austria's games.
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Who is Dejan Ljubicic?
A 28-year-old Austrian midfielder (born October 8, 1997 in Vienna), currently at FC Schalke 04. He's versatile and was called up for the 2026 World Cup as a replacement for the injured Christoph Baumgartner.
Which clubs has Dejan Ljubicic played for?
Trained at Favoritner AC and SK Rapid Wien, he moved to 1. FC Köln in 2021 (122 games, 16 goals over four years). After that came half a year at Dinamo Zagreb and, since January 2026, FC Schalke 04.
How many caps does Ljubicic have for Austria?
Ljubicic has nine caps for Austria so far. His most recent appearance, though, was more than two and a half years ago — the 2026 World Cup is his national-team comeback.
Why was Ljubicic called up for the 2026 World Cup?
Because Christoph Baumgartner tore the tendon in his right thigh and is out. Rangnick chose Ljubicic on Wednesday evening, after the Schalke man impressed in spring with 15 appearances, four goals and three assists and beat rivals such as Sascha Horvath.
What role can Ljubicic play for Austria?
As a versatile midfielder who can also fill in on the right — more an option and impact sub than a like-for-like for Baumgartner's attacking eight role, which Rangnick shares internally.
Explore more: Who replaces Baumgartner? The full story · Austria vs Jordan: tips for the opener · 50 players to watch at the World Cup · 2026 World Cup prediction game: the full guide
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As of June 11, 2026. Prediction game, not a sports-betting operator.
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