2026 FIFA World Cup: Group J – Austria vs Jordan

Austria face debutants, Jordan in their first Group J match at 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Austria are ending their 26-year absence from the World Cup – having last featured in the 1998 edition, whilst this match marks Jordan’s debut at the tournament.

 

Team News

Christoph Baumgartner is ruled out of the whole campaign for Austria after he suffered a thigh muscle injury in warm-up for their friendly win over Tunisia on 1 June.

Dejan Ljubicic consequently was called up as Baumgartner’s replacement.

David Alaba is set to be available after recovering from a minor muscle injury suffered in that friendly.

Jordan will be without forward, Ibrahim Sabra after he suffered an ankle injury which forced him to withdraw from the squad, with defender – Mohammad Taha called up as his replacement.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Austria meet Jordan at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, on Tuesday 16 June at 9pm PDT (5am BST, Wednesday 17 June), live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Austria’s first-ever meeting against Jordan in all competitions.
• Jordan are making their maiden World Cup appearance in this match.
• Austria have won their last two matches by 1-0 results (W2), which came against South Korea and Tunisia respectively.
• Jordan are winless in their last five matches (D2, L3).

 

Prediction

Having qualified for their first World Cup since 1998, Austria can come into this group confident that they can qualify for the knockout stages and ideally as runners-up if they turn up and can impose their aggressive counter-press style quickly and control the games.

Jordan though are a relative unknown at their first World Cup but with their resiliently organised defence and quick counter-attacking play, they can’t be underestimated if the opposition aren’t creative enough to break their back line down.

I however do think that Austria will have enough quality to wear down the debutants and get a routine win with patience, especially with Marko Arnautovic up front and his aerial presence at set pieces.

Prediction: Austria 2-0 Jordan

Result: Austria 3-1 Jordan