ÖFB President Pröll Praises National Team After Qualification for 2026 FIFA World Cup

"The team deserved it, and so did the whole country, everyone who cheered along," explained former Vice Chancellor Josef Pröll, thanked the ÖFB team and the coaching staff, and spoke of a "personally extremely moving moment" after the successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Emotional Moments for ÖFB Chief Pröll

He has experienced a lot in his roles in politics and business. "But not such emotional moments as now and in this match with its ups and downs." When Haris Tabakovic, whom Pröll knows from his time at Wiener Austria, scored the 1-0 for Bosnia, he thought: "This can't be true." But then Michael Gregoritsch ensured a happy ending, and now, according to Pröll, it's about providing the national team with the best possible preparation for the World Cup.

A pleasant side effect of the World Cup starting place is the expected additional income from FIFA bonuses and probably also from sponsor contributions. "But I haven't dealt with that at all yet," Pröll assured. "For me, it was more important that this momentum goes through the team, through Austrian football, after 28 years. And that the country also takes something from it, the people. Something is possible if you believe in it until the end. And I believe that is a message that goes beyond football."

ÖFB Chief Pröll: "None of This Is My Achievement"

Pröll emphasized that the World Cup ticket is solely thanks to Ralf Rangnick, his staff, and his players. "I've been involved for half a year now. None of this is my achievement, but I have tried to bring calm in the last few months to allow the sports department to work in peace." In the hour of great success, Pröll also pointed to Austria's U17 team's 4-0 victory over England in the World Cup round of 16. "At the moment, we are really on a roll. When you see what is developing, we must be satisfied," said Pröll, speaking of a "very special day for Austrian football."

All News on the 2026 FIFA World Cup

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.