Austria vs Romania, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Today Match Prediction

Austria vs Romania Match Prediction & Analysis

Austria begins their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Romania in Vienna, aiming for a strong start in Group H where they are favorites. This marks their debut in the qualifiers, while Romania plays their third match.

Although Austria suffered a recent 2-0 loss to Serbia and are winless in their last three outings, their overall form shows only one loss in six. Romania, after an initial defeat to Bosnia, rebounded with a 5-1 win over San Marino and boasts seven wins in their last eight matches. 

However, Romania's defense is a concern, with only three clean sheets in their last ten games. Austria, having won their last encounter five years ago, will seek to repeat that success.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Austria Preview

Austria begins their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with high ambitions, especially after a disappointing Euro 2024 Round of 16 exit. Their primary goal is to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Under Ralf Rangnick, Austria's recent form shows promise, with them being undefeated in 5 of their last 6 games across all competitions. Notably, there have been over 2.5 goals scored in their last 3 league games. Their average statistics over the last 6 matches include 2.17 goals scored and 0.83 goals conceded per game and 33% over 2.5 goals. 

Key attacker Christoph Baumgartner is set to make his 50th national team appearance and has shown better goal contributions for Austria than his club, Leipzig (2 goals, 3 assists in Nations League vs. 2 goals, 2 assists for Leipzig this Bundesliga season). 

Despite the absence of key players like David Alaba and Alexander Schlager due to injury, new talents like Nikolas Polster and Mathias Honsak have been called up. Austria will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage against Romania, a team they defeated in their last encounter five years ago.

Austria probable starting lineup: Pentz (Gk); Posch, Danso, Lienhart, Mwene; Seiwald, Grillitsch; R. Schmid, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic

Romania Preview

Romania enters this World Cup qualifier against Austria with a mixed bag of recent results, aiming to bounce back from a surprising defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their opening match. While they comfortably secured promotion to League B in the UEFA Nations League by winning all their matches, their World Cup qualifying campaign has started with a slight stumble.

Despite a 0-1 loss to Bosnia, Romania showcased their attacking prowess with a convincing 5-1 victory over San Marino. Their away form is particularly strong, with 4 straight away wins in all competitions and 2+ goals scored in each of their last 4 away matches. 

Overall, Romania boasts an impressive record of 21 undefeated games in their last 24 encounters across all competitions. Their average stats over the last 6 matches include a high total of 3.67 goals, with 2.83 goals scored and 0.83 conceded per game. 

Key player Răzvan Marin, after a standout UEFA Nations League campaign with six goals and one assist, will be crucial. While Denis Dragus and Deian Sorescu initially missed training, they have reed the squad, and there are no significant new absences. 

Romania probable starting lineup: Nita (Gk); Ratiu, Popescu, Burca, Bancu; R. Marin, M. Marin, Stanciu; Man, Dragus, Coman