Preparations for the 2026 World Cup: Austrian Football Association Sets Sights on the Final Stage
Casual Chatter: Alright, let's talk 'bout the World Cup, huh? The Austria football crew might just be dancing in North America by 2026 if they play their cards right. Bogey Jank Neuhold, the ÖFB CEO, is already planning for the future and looking for sweet digs and top-notch facilities for the team, just in case they snag a ticket to the big dance. Lennart Coerdt, one of the team managers, is off to the US in mid-June to scope out some swanky hotels and training grounds on the East Coast.
The Long Game: The ÖFB ain't just shooting from the hip here. They've learned from past experiences before the 2024 European Championship, where short-notice plane rides were sometimes needed to get things sorted out. But with distances being exponentially larger in North America, that's not gonna fly this time. Coerdt's tasked with doing the heavy lifting to collect info, build relationships, and make contacts before they can nail down a sweet team base camp close to the game venues to keep travel strain to a minimum.
The FIFA's offering a catalog of accommodations, but the qualified teams won't be able to express their preferences until after the World Cup group draw in December. Once the draw's done, teams will have a specific deadline to submit their desired options, and FIFA'll 'assign' 'em bases based on where they'll be playing and objective criteria.
Passport to North America: The FIFA ensures that a group's games take place in one region, and the Austrian team's goal is to keep it close to the game venues—no jet-setting across the continent for them!
Cost of Doin' Business: A World Cup in North America's gonna cost a pretty penny. The costs will be cushioned by payments from FIFA, but the exact figures for appearance fees and bonus payments haven't been announced yet. FIFA's already said they'll cover certain participant costs, but the final numbers will only be revealed after the World Cup prizes are announced, which could be as late as December.
Planning Ahead: Even though the qualification process is still going on, Neuhold's emphasizing the need for forward-thinking planning. ("Any other approach would be plain unprofessional.") If they do make it, they gotta be ready to roll at a moment's notice. But until Austria secures their spot at the finals, the specifics about accommodations and travel in North America aren't likely to be finalized or publicized. So, keep your eyes peeled for those updates!
Other sports, such as basketball or baseball, might also be considered during the Austrians' North American tour, as Lennart Coerdt explores various training grounds and hotels to prepare for potential multi-sport events alongside the World Cup. The ÖFB is not only focusing on football facilities, aiming to ensure a well-rounded experience for the team during their potential stay in North America.
