Countdown begins: Austrian First League squad prepares for preliminary friendly matches
Austria is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with the initial clash against Romania, the current runner-up of Group H, scheduled on June 7th at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. This marks a significant milestone for Austria, as they haven't qualified for a World Cup final round since 1998.
The countdown begins in less than a month, and Austrian Football Team Manager Ralf Rangnick will be polishing, tinkering, and making tactical plans at the familiar Seefeld for a 30th of May training camp. With Romania as their first big hurdle, Rangnick has only a bit over a week to get David Alaba and the crew operating at high temperature, aiming to secure a solid winning start at home.
The roster looks strong, with a full squad available (except for Xaver Schlager), and the mission is clear: earn three points in the Ernst Happel Stadium! Following this game, the team will take on San Marino, providing no time for a celebration or a breather, as the first away game is set for just three days later.
Eager for the training camp is Raul Florucz, the Olimpija Ljubljana legend with roots in Romania. Although Romania had also shown interest in recruiting him, Florucz chose Austria, stating, "I was born in Austria, grew up here - I feel 100% Austrian. But of course, I respect my Romanian roots."
The upcoming match against his ancestral roots will not only be a substantial challenge for Florucz but also an emotional experience. In his own words, "I know both anthems - that will be an indescribable moment. I can't even imagine what will be going on inside me!"
The 2026 World Cup tournament will feature 48 teams, with UEFA securing 16 direct qualification spots. The competition takes place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, and Austria is part of the group stage involving teams competing in a round-robin format. Key players for Austria include David Alaba, Marko Arnautović, and Konrad Laimer.
Windischgarsten invites Raul Florucz for a pre-qualifier training camp, hoping the Olimpija Ljubljana legend's enthusiasm can boost the team. The goal is to utilize Florucz's experience and emotional connection to Romania, while focusing on securing vital points in the European leagues.
Austria aims to surpass the temperature of its previous World Cup performances by capitalizing on the team's strength, continuing its unbroken run with David Alaba and Marko Arnautović in action. Ralf Rangnick and his squad work tirelessly to attain a triumphant start in the qualifiers, especially against Romania.
As the World Cup tournament features 48 teams, the Austrian competition is fierce, as UEFA has 16 direct qualification spots at stake. The summer of 2026 will witness Austria competing in the group stage of the tournament, alongside other teams, with Konrad Laimer expected to be a key player for the team.
Raul Florucz eagerly anticipates the match against his ancestral roots, acknowledging it as both a substantial challenge and an emotional experience, with the fear of an indescribable moment when the two anthems are played.
