Austria vs Jordan — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 1
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Group J's second opener sees Ralf Rangnick's Austria, one of Europe's most intriguing teams, take on a Jordan side relishing a maiden World Cup. Austria's relentless, high-pressing identity and the quality of David Alaba and Marcel Sabitzer make them strong favourites; Jordan, inspired by their run to a recent Asian Cup final, are organised and dangerous through Mousa Tamari.
Rangnick's blueprint is intense, aggressive pressing and quick vertical attacks. Austria will hunt the ball high and look to overload central areas; Jordan will defend compactly, stay patient and trust Tamari's quality on the counter.
Expect Austria to dominate possession and territory and Jordan to make life awkward. The pressing favourites should have the platform to control, but Jordan have proven on the continental stage that they can punish anyone who underrates them.
Key storylines
- 01Rangnick's pressing machine: Austria are a fashionable European pick.
- 02David Alaba's leadership and quality anchor the Austrian side.
- 03Jordan's debut after reaching a recent Asian Cup final.
- 04Mousa Tamari is Jordan's standout attacking threat.
- 05Marcel Sabitzer drives Austria's energetic midfield.
Prediction
Austria's pressing to wear Jordan down. Friendly call: Austria 2-0 Jordan.
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Austria
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1Patrick Pentz (GK)
- 2Phillipp Mwene
- 3Kevin Danso
- 4David Alaba
- 5Maximilian Wober
- 6Nicolas Seiwald
- 7Konrad Laimer
- 8Christoph Baumgartner
- 9Marcel Sabitzer
- 10Patrick Wimmer
- 11Marko Arnautovic
Jordan
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1Yazid Abu Layla (GK)
- 2Mahmoud Abu Hasheesh
- 3Yazan Al Arab
- 4Abdallah Nasib
- 5Ehsan Haddad
- 6Nizar Al Rashdan
- 7Noor Al Rawabdeh
- 8Mousa Tamari
- 9Mahmoud Al Mardi
- 10Yazan Al Naimat
- 11Ali Olwan
Team news
Austria
- David Alaba brings experience and composure to the Austria back line.
- Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer power an aggressive midfield press.
- Marko Arnautovic remains a key veteran presence up front.
Jordan
- Mousa Tamari is Jordan's most dangerous attacking outlet.
- Jordan reached a recent Asian Cup final, showing real progress.
- They will set up compact and look to counter.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
Predict this match
Want it to count? Open the predictor → to lock in your scoreline before kickoff and climb your league.