Austria vs Jordan Preview & Prediction: 2026 FIFA World Cup

Austria face World Cup debutants Jordan at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara on Tuesday, 17 June 2026 (04:00 UTC / 07:00 EAT (Tuesday, 17 June 2026)). Both sides carry injury concerns into their opening fixture. Austria are the stronger side on paper but Jordan’s defensive organisation makes them difficult to break down. Our prediction: Austria to win.

Match details

Rangnick’s Austria vs Jordan’s World Cup debut

Austria arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the best shape they have been in for years. Under Ralf Rangnick, who took charge in 2022, the national team has been systematically rebuilt. After a last-16 exit at Euro 2024, Austria responded by winning 11 of their next 18 matches — a run that has raised expectations ahead of their tournament campaign. Their pre-tournament form is strong: three wins, two draws, and zero defeats in their last five outings, scoring 10 goals and conceding just two.

The headline concern is the absence of Christoph Baumgartner, who suffered an injury before the tournament. Baumgartner was one of Austria’s most important creative forces — his ability to link midfield and attack and create goalscoring opportunities will be difficult to replace. Despite his absence, Rangnick still has quality to call upon, with David Alaba captaining the side and Marko Arnautovic leading the line.

Jordan make their first ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup. Coach Jamal Sellami has been upbeat about what his side can achieve, despite the realistic expectation among most observers that they will struggle at this level. Jordan’s strength in qualifying was built on defensive solidity, and that same organised structure will be their best weapon here. Their pre-tournament warm-ups, however, have raised genuine concerns: no wins in five matches, three defeats, 13 goals conceded, and the loss of two key attacking players to injury.

Yazan Al Naimat and Ibrahim Sabra are both absent with injuries, significantly weakening Jordan’s attacking options. Mousa Al-Tamari will need to shoulder greater creative responsibility as a result.

With Argentina and Algeria expected to be the dominant forces in the group, this fixture could be decisive for both sides in terms of their knockout ambitions. Three points here would give either team a foothold in the group standings from which to build.

Injury and availability update

Expected line-ups

Not official — predicted XIs based on available team news. Update once confirmed line-ups are released before kick-off.

Recent form

Austria — last 5 matches:

Jordan — last 5 matches:

Key stats

• Austria: won 11 of 18 matches since Rangnick took charge in 2022. Last 5: W3 D2 L0, GF 10 GA 2.
• Austria: eliminated in the round of 16 at Euro 2024 but significantly improved since.
• Christoph Baumgartner: OUT — key creative absence for Austria.
• Jordan: first ever FIFA World Cup appearance.
• Jordan: last 5 matches — W0 D2 L3, GF 7 GA 13. No wins in five pre-tournament outings.
• Jordan: lost Yazan Al Naimat and Ibrahim Sabra to injury before the tournament.
• Jordan’s World Cup qualification was built on defensive strength and organisation.
• H2H: Austria and Jordan have never previously met in any fixture.
• Group: {{GROUP_CONFIRM}} [REQUIRES REVIEW — confirm with editorial team before publishing].

Head-to-head

Austria and Jordan have never met before — in any competitive or friendly fixture. This World Cup group stage match is the first ever encounter between the two nations. There is no head-to-head history to draw on.

Our prediction

Austria are the clear favourites on form, squad depth, and individual quality. Rangnick’s side are well-organised, have been building momentum for two years, and despite the loss of Baumgartner, still possess enough quality in the final third to find a way through a Jordan defence that has been leaking goals in pre-tournament friendlies.

Jordan’s defensive record in their last five matches is concerning — 13 goals conceded with no wins. The loss of Al Naimat and Sabra further reduces their attacking options, placing extra pressure on Mousa Al-Tamari to generate something going forward. Their best hope is to frustrate Austria in the early stages and look for a set-piece or counterattacking opportunity.

Austria’s superior form and Jordan’s pre-tournament struggles make the direction of this result relatively clear. A comfortable Austria win is the most likely outcome.

Our prediction: Austria to win.

Odds and markets

Odds correct at 07/00 UTC on 17/06/2026 and subject to change.

How to bet on SportPesa

1. Open the Austria vs Jordan event page on SportPesa (link above).
2. Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
3. Enter your stake and place your bet.

Frequently asked questions

What time does Austria vs Jordan kick off?

Kick-off is at 04:00 UTC / 07:00 EAT (Tuesday, 17 June 2026) on Tuesday, 17 June 2026, at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California, USA.

Have Austria and Jordan ever played before?

No. Austria and Jordan have never met in any fixture — competitive or friendly. This World Cup match is the first ever encounter between the two nations.

Is this Jordan’s first World Cup?

Yes. Jordan are making their debut at the FIFA World Cup in 2026, having qualified for the first time in their football history.

Who are Austria’s key players at World Cup 2026?

David Alaba captains the side from defence. Marko Arnautovic leads the attack. The absence of Christoph Baumgartner, who was injured before the tournament, is the major blow to Austria’s creative options.

Who are Jordan’s key players at World Cup 2026?

Mousa Al-Tamari carries additional creative responsibility following the pre-tournament injuries to Yazan Al Naimat and Ibrahim Sabra. Goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila will need to produce a strong performance if Jordan are to stay in the match.

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