Vienna – Austria manager Ralf Rangnick has announced his squad for two upcoming international friendly matches in March, serving as key preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which begins June 11th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Austrian team will host Ghana at Vienna’s Ernst-Happel Stadium on March 27th at 6:00 PM local time (18:00 CET), followed by a match against South Korea at the same venue on March 31st at 8:45 PM local time (20:45 CET).
Modern Faces in the ÖFB Squad
As expected, Rangnick has included several players poised to earn their first caps for the national team. Paul Wanner, recently eligible to represent Austria, and Carney Chukwuemeka of Borussia Dortmund are among those receiving their first call-ups. Wanner currently plays for PSV Eindhoven.
Defender David Affengruber, who plays for Elche, also earns his first inclusion in the squad. The 24-year-old has been showcasing strong performances in Spain’s La Liga this season. Rounding out the debutantes is goalkeeper Florian Wiegele, currently a key player for Viktoria Pilsen after a loan spell with GAK.
Kalajdzic Returns, Wöber and Svoboda Re-Called
The squad also sees the return of several players who haven’t featured recently. Sasa Kalajdzic, the LASK striker, is back in contention, marking his first call-up since November 2023 following a significant recovery from a cruciate ligament injury.
Michael Svoboda, captain of Serie B table-toppers FC Venezia, has also been included. Maximilian Wöber, who has faced injury challenges this season – limited to just one competitive appearance in August 2025 due to a thigh injury and muscular issues – is also back in the squad. Rangnick indicated that, similar to David Alaba, Wöber is unlikely to see significant playing time in these friendlies.
World Cup Preparation Takes Center Stage
These matches against Ghana and South Korea provide a valuable opportunity for Rangnick to assess his squad and fine-tune tactics ahead of the World Cup. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, represents a significant challenge for Austria, currently ranked 24th in the world by FIFA as of January 19, 2026.
The Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) was founded in 1904, and the national team has a rich history, including a third-place finish at the 1954 FIFA World Cup. The current squad, under Rangnick’s leadership, will be aiming to build on that legacy and make a strong showing in North America next summer.
For fans following the team closely, the inclusion of players like Wanner and Chukwuemeka signals a potential shift towards integrating younger talent into the national setup. Both players have been making waves at their respective clubs and offer Rangnick additional options in midfield. Affengruber’s inclusion addresses a need for defensive depth, even as Wiegele provides competition in the goalkeeping position.
Kalajdzic’s return is a boost to the attacking options, providing a different dimension to the team’s forward line. His recovery from a serious injury is a testament to his dedication and resilience. The re-call of Wöber, despite his limited recent playing time, highlights his importance to the squad and Rangnick’s belief in his abilities.
The Ernst-Happel Stadium in Vienna will be the focal point for Austrian football fans in March, as they gather to support their national team in these crucial preparation matches. The games against Ghana and South Korea will not only serve as a test of the team’s readiness for the World Cup but also as an opportunity for fans to witness the emergence of a new generation of Austrian footballers.
The upcoming matches represent a critical juncture for the Austrian national team as they gear up for the challenges that lie ahead in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Rangnick’s squad selection reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent, signaling a clear intent to compete at the highest level.
Next up for the Austrian national team are the friendly matches against Ghana on March 27th and South Korea on March 31st, both to be played in Vienna. Fans can stay updated on the team’s progress and official announcements through the ÖFB website: https://www.oefb.at/.
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