Austria Qualifies for 2026 World Cup, Ending 28-Year Drought
Zurich – Austria will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance in the tournament since 1998. The qualification was secured through the European play-off system, culminating in a draw held Thursday in Zurich that determined the final four European teams joining the expanded 48-nation field.
The path to the 2026 World Cup has been restructured,with 16 teams vying for the final four European spots through a series of mini-tournaments featuring semi-finals and finals. Austria was among the runners-up in their qualifying group, alongside Albania, Italy, Ireland, Czech republic, Poland, Wales, Scotland, Kosovo, Ukraine, Turkey and Slovakia. They joined Nations League group winners Romania, Sweden, Northern ireland and North Macedonia in the play-off draw.
Several other notable results shaped the European qualification landscape.Spain drew 2-2 with Turkey, with goals from Dani olmo (4′) and Mikel Oyarzabal (62′) answered by Deniz Gül (42′) and Salih Özcan (55′). Turkey advanced to the play-offs,though a seven-goal victory would have been needed to overtake Spain. Switzerland drew 1-1 with Kosovo, allowing Kosovo to also reach the play-offs.Belgium dominated Liechtenstein with a 7-0 victory, while wales secured a 7-1 win over North Macedonia.
A total of 16 teams entered the play-offs, hoping to secure one of the four remaining European World Cup tickets. The tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.The draw for the World Cup group phase will take place on December 5th in Las Vegas.
