Austria women’s national football team head coach Lars Söndergaard has called up 17-year-old FK Austria Wien midfielder Valentina Pötzl for the upcoming World Cup play-off matches against Kosovo, replacing the injured Katharina Naschenweng, as reported by sport.ORF.at. The squad adjustment ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification matches comes after FC Bayern Munich player Naschenweng was forced to withdraw from the roster due to late knee discomfort.
Knee Injury Forces Bayern Munich Player Out of Play-off Squad
Katharina Naschenweng, a 28-year-old player for Frauen-Bundesliga club Bayern Munich and a native of Carinthia, missed out on the training camp after picking up knee issues shortly before the national team gathered at the ÖFB-Campus in Vienna. Söndergaard told reporters at Monday’s camp opening that losing the experienced outside player is a severe blow because of the distinct energy and verticality she brings to the flank. Ligaportal noted that the team hopes for a quick and smooth recovery for the player.
Austria Wien Teenager Steps Up Following Champions League Breakthrough
To fill the vacancy, Söndergaard turned to teenager Valentina Pötzl, who earns her maiden call-up to the senior national team. The 17-year-old midfielder has caught the eye this season with high-intensity displays for FK Austria Wien in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Söndergaard praised the youngster’s fearlessness and work rate during his opening address on Monday, stating that her performances in European club competition and with the U19 national team warranted the promotion. Pötzl becomes the sixth player from Austria Wien in the current squad, joining teammates Katharina Schiechtl, Virginia Kirchberger-Prohaska, Verena Hanshaw, Louise Schöffel, and Jasmin Pal.
Pötzl Calls Maiden Senior Call-Up a Great Honor
Reflecting on her inclusion in the senior setup, Pötzl described the opportunity as a major milestone. “It is always special to play for your country, and being called up to the A-national team for the first time is a great honor,” the midfielder said in remarks cited by Ligaportal. She joins a squad preparing for two distinct fixtures on the road to the tournament in Brazil. The first leg against Kosovo takes place on Friday, October 9, 2026, kicking off at 18:00 local time at the Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri in Pristina, with live television coverage provided by ORF1 starting at 17:45. The return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 18:00 local time at the Wiener Sport-Club-Platz in Vienna.
Austria Enters Play-Offs as Heavy Favorites Against Kosovo
The Austrian side enters the two-legged tie holding a significant ranking advantage over their opponents. FIFA rankings place Austria 23rd globally, while Kosovo sits 62 spots back at 85th in the world. Despite the clear statistical disparity, the team must handle logistical concerns regarding the pitch in Pristina, which sport.ORF.at noted has been described as difficult following recent fixtures hosted by the men's national team.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Austrian Squad Changes
When and where is Austria playing Kosovo in the World Cup play-offs?
Austria plays the first leg away against Kosovo on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri in Pristina, followed by the second leg on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at the Wiener Sport-Club-Platz in Vienna. Both matches kick off at 18:00 local time and are broadcast live on ORF1.
Why was Katharina Naschenweng ruled out of the fixtures?
The 28-year-old Bayern Munich player withdrew from the squad due to late knee discomfort discovered just before the start of the ÖFB training camp in Vienna.
How many players from FK Austria Wien are in the current national team squad?
With Valentina Pötzl’s late nomination, the total number of Austria Wien players in Lars Söndergaard’s squad reaches six, alongside Katharina Schiechtl, Virginia Kirchberger-Prohaska, Verena Hanshaw, Louise Schöffel, and Jasmin Pal.
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