The perfect start for Austria came from the touchline: before a ball was kicked at the World Cup, the ÖFB extended head coach Ralf Rangnick. Austria are going on the attack — and so are you, in your prediction round.
Rangnick stays — what the signal means
The Austrian FA extended Rangnick's contract early, until at least EURO 2028 (auto-extending on qualification). Despite interest from Italy (AC Milan), Rangnick is staying with the national team — the supervisory board approved unanimously, with ÖFB president Josef Pröll leading the talks.
For the World Cup that means continuity and momentum. Rangnick's aggressive pressing has made Austria an awkward opponent — exactly the identity that springs tournament surprises. It also makes the ÖFB games fun to predict: Austria are rarely the favourite, but very often good for points against expectations.
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Jordan
Austria are in Group J. Argentina are the big favourite, Algeria the most important direct rival for the round of 16, and Jordan the side Austria must beat to start well.
How to predict the three Austria games
1. Austria – Jordan · Tue 17 June, 06:00 CEST The must-win opener. Most tippers expect an Austria win (tendency 1) — the points come from the scoreline. Early-bird alert: 06:00 CEST means set an alarm or submit your pick the night before.
2. Argentina – Austria · Mon 22 June, 19:00 CEST The primetime game and the toughest test. This is where the bold round separates from the cautious: anyone who backs a draw or an upset against the title contenders (tendency X or 2) can make up serious ground — or lose it all. That's what predicting is for.
3. Algeria – Austria · Sun 28 June, 04:00 CEST The likely key game for second place. Right in the middle of the night (04:00 CEST) — but the match that could decide the round of 16. Don't forget to submit the night before.
Two of the three Austria games fall at central-European night-time — the price of a World Cup in North America. Good thing you can lock your pick in any time beforehand.
Join the attack
Rangnick stays, Austria attack — and in your round you live every ÖFB game. Predict for "your" Austria, measure yourself against the Austria community and our AI.
Predict the Austria games · Austria @ WC26: everything at a glance
Is Ralf Rangnick staying as Austria coach?
Yes. The ÖFB extended his contract early — until at least EURO 2028, auto-extending on qualification. He stays despite interest from Italy.
When do Austria play at World Cup 2026?
Austria – Jordan: Tue 17 June, 06:00 CEST · Argentina – Austria: Mon 22 June, 19:00 CEST · Algeria – Austria: Sun 28 June, 04:00 CEST.
Which group are Austria in at World Cup 2026?
Group J, alongside Argentina, Algeria and Jordan.
How should you predict the Austria games?
Against Jordan most expect a win (tendency 1) — the scoreline decides. Against Argentina, boldness pays (X or 2 if it lands). Algeria is the key game for second place. Submit each pick before kickoff.
Explore more: Austria World Cup tipping: the guide · World Cup today: all matches & AI picks · AI League: 10 AIs predict the World Cup
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