After Qualifying for the Football World Cup: What's Next for the ÖFB Team

On December 5, the groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be drawn. Whether Austria will be drawn from the second or third pot is unclear and depends on how the play-off winners are ranked by FIFA.

2026 FIFA World Cup: ÖFB in Search of Accommodation and Friendly Opponents

A day after the draw, the ÖFB team led by Ralf Rangnick is expected to learn the venues and kick-off times, marking the start of the search for accommodation. By January 2026, it should be determined where the Austrian team will be accommodated during the tournament. Planning for the organizational and sporting World Cup preparation has been underway for months, with the ÖFB already reaching out to potential friendly opponents for some time. Two matches will take place in March, and two in the lead-up to the World Cup at the end of May or early June. Both the venues for the friendlies and the sparring partners are still open but should be determined as soon as possible.

It is possible that the ÖFB selection will play a match in March as part of a multi-day camp in southern Europe - possible locations include Marbella or again Paphos in Cyprus - and then move to Vienna for the second match. At the end of May, it could be the exact opposite. A friendly match in Austria as a farewell to the home fans seems conceivable, shortly after which the trip to North America could take place, where the final rehearsal for the tournament will be held. According to FIFA regulations, the ÖFB team must arrive at their base camp at least five days before their first World Cup match. Team manager Ralf Rangnick likely prefers a significantly earlier arrival to better adapt to the local conditions.

All News on the 2026 FIFA World Cup

(APA/Red)

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