Countdown begins: Austrian Football Association squad prepares for qualifying trial match
Ready to dive into the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers for the Austrian national team? After missing their shot at League A in the Nations League, it's all about seizing the opportunity in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The big kickoff is just around the corner –39 days, to be exact– and the goal is crystal clear: Make it to a World Cup final for the first time since 1998. Instead of the traditional windy mountains of Windischgarsten, the action's moving to the sunny slopes of Seefeld, much like under their former coach Franco Foda. The training camp begins on May 30, with a month of refining, tweaking, and strategizing. The team's first major hurdle comes on June 7, against Romania at the Ernst Happel Stadium (8:45 PM, mark your calendars!).
German coach, with just over a week to unite the team, aims for nothing less than a 3-0 triumph at home! There's no time to catch a breather, as the first away game against San Marino looms just three days after the Romania clash. Fortunately, Rangnick can count on his full squad, save for Xaver Schlager.
A heartfelt homecoming for Florucz
Anticipation for the training camp is particularly high for Raul Florucz. The Slovenian star, with Romanian heritage, is primed for a personal challenge. Florucz, aged 23, made his Austria debut in the Nations League playoff against Serbia, despite Romania's persistent attempts to secure his services. However, his loyalties remain steadfast: "I was raised in Austria – I'm 100% Austrian. Yet, I respect my Romanian roots."
A rollercoaster of emotions is anticipated before the hotly contested match against his roots: "I know both countries' anthems – it'll be a surreal moment. I can't fathom what I'll feel."
[1] UEFA – UEFA.com, Accessed April 28, 2023, https://www.uefa.com/competitions/uefaeuropeanqualifiers/
[2] Power Rankings – BBC, Accessed April 28, 2023, https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/teams/austria/57414786
- Austrian national football team awaits the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with special focus on their European league performance.
- The strategy for the qualifiers in the USA, Mexico, and Canada will be a top priority during the training camp in Seefeld, starting on May 30.
- The first major hurdle, a home game against Romania at the Ernst Happel Stadium, is scheduled for June 7, especially significant for Austrian player Raul Florucz, who has dual heritage.
- Florucz, a Slovenian star playing for Austria, is eagerly anticipating a heartfelt homecoming against Romania as he confronts a rollercoaster of emotions during the match.
