Austria starting lineup vs Spain confirmed AS David Alaba named for FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match

Austria last faced Spain in a friendly game in November 2009.

Austria qualified for the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the second-best team in Group J, trailing defending champions Argentina. The other two teams in their group were Algeria and Jordan, with the latter eliminated in the group stage.

Das Team commenced their FIFA World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan. However, in the second game, they suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to defending champions Argentina, courtesy of Lionel Messi’s brace.

In the last game of the group stage, they played a dramatic 3-3 draw against Algeria. Marko Arnautovic, making his first start for Ralf Rangnick’s side in the summer tournament, broke the deadlock in the 28th minute before Rafik Belghali equalised the game in the 45th minute. Marcel Sabitzer gave Das Team a lead (55′), but Riyad Mahrez scored just five minutes later.

However, the drama unfolded in the added time, when Mahrez completed his brace, and Sasa Kalajdzic equalised the scoreline at 3-3.

The biggest challenge for Ralf Rangnick’s side awaits them in their opening knockout game, as they will face European champions Spain. The game will be played at the Los Angeles Stadium, Inglewood, California, on Thursday, July 2.

Also Read: Spain vs Austria pitch & weather report: Conditions revealed ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

Austria lineup for the FIFA World Cup match against Spain

Austria Possible Starting XI: Alexander Schlager (GK); Stefan Posch, David Alaba, Kevin Danso, Konrad Laimer; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Marcel Sabitzer, Michael Gregoritsch, Romano Schmid; Paul Wanner.

Thoughts on the lineup

Paul Wanner will start playing as the side’s frontman. Marcel Sabitzer will play as the playmaker, while Romano Schmid and Michael Gregoritsch will move up to the wings and support the side attacker from the wings.

Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald will support the framework while also helping in the defence. Stefan Posch and Konrad Laimer will play on the flanks, while captain David Alaba and Kevin Danso will form the defensive duo. Alexander Schlager will keep the gloves for Ralf Rangnick’s side.

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