The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J campaign commences for Austria and Jordan on 17 June, with both sides looking to lay down an early marker. This encounter at Levi's Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area represents a significant occasion, particularly for Jordan, who are making their debut on the global stage.
What's at Stake
With both teams currently on zero points in Group J, securing a positive result in this opening fixture is paramount. For Austria, a strong start is crucial as they aim to navigate a challenging group that also includes reigning champions Argentina and Algeria. Their ambition will be to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 1954.
Jordan's participation marks a historic moment for the nation, and they will be determined to make a competitive impression despite being considered underdogs. Avoiding defeat in their inaugural World Cup match would be a considerable achievement and provide a significant confidence boost for their subsequent fixtures. You can follow all the group developments on our /standings page.
Recent Form
Austria arrive at the tournament in impressive form, having enjoyed a strong qualification campaign and a series of positive warm-up results. Ralf Rangnick's side won six, drew one, and lost just one of their eight UEFA World Cup qualifying matches, scoring 22 goals and conceding only four. Their recent friendly fixtures include a dominant 5-1 victory over Ghana, alongside 1-0 wins against South Korea and Tunisia, extending their unbeaten run to five matches.
In contrast, Jordan's recent form has been more challenging. The Chivalrous Ones have lost three and drawn two of their last five matches, failing to secure a win in that period. They suffered a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland and a 2-0 loss against Colombia in their recent preparations, conceding 11 goals across those five games. This suggests a need for defensive solidity as they step up to World Cup competition.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Austria have been dealt a blow with attacking midfielder Christoph Baumgartner ruled out of the tournament due to a thigh muscle injury sustained during a pre-match warm-up. However, captain David Alaba is expected to be fit enough to start, providing a crucial presence in defence. Patrick Wimmer and Florian Grillitsch had also faced injury concerns.
Jordan's squad has been significantly impacted by injuries. Star striker Yazan Al-Naimat is absent due to a torn ligament, a major loss for their attack. Young forward Ibrahim Sabra is also out with an ankle injury, and defender Issam Smeeri will miss the World Cup due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. While Ali Olwan had an ankle injury earlier in the year, he is expected to lead the line.
Predicted Austria XI (4-2-3-1): Alexander Schlager; Konrad Laimer, Philipp Lienhart, David Alaba, Phillipp Mwene; Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald; Romano Schmid, Marcel Sabitzer, Michael Gregoritsch; Marko Arnautovic.
Predicted Jordan XI (3-4-3): Yazeed Abulaila; Saleem Obaid, Yazan Al-Arab, Abdallah Nasib; Ehsan Haddad, Nizar Al Rashdan, Noor Al-Rawabdeh, Mohannad Abu Taha; Mousa Tamari, Ali Olwan, Odeh Fakhoury.
Score Prediction
Austria enter this fixture as clear favourites, buoyed by their strong qualifying campaign and recent friendly results. Their organised, high-intensity style under Ralf Rangnick is expected to pose significant challenges for a Jordan side making their World Cup debut and grappling with key injuries. While Jordan will undoubtedly bring defensive discipline, Austria's quality in midfield and attack should eventually break through. We anticipate a comfortable victory for the European side.
Prediction: Austria 3-0 Jordan
Kickoff XI is an independent publication and is not affiliated with FIFA.
