Austria national team head coach Ralf Rangnick has unveiled his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, handing call-ups to four debutants while operating without longtime captain David Alaba. Two months after concluding their World Cup campaign, the ÖFB setup is balancing immediate competition in the UEFA Nations League with a long-term look toward the 2028 European Championship.
Rangnick used his latest squad announcement to emphasize transition and player evaluation. While core expectations remain anchored in the team’s high-intensity identity, the roster turnover reflects an explicit push to evaluate fresh talent across various positions, most notably in goal and defense.
New Faces and Goalkeeping Sifters
The headline stories of the squad selection center on four players receiving their first senior national team call-ups. In goal, Rangnick has brought in LASK goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth and Christian Zawieschitzky of Red Bull Salzburg. They join established options Alexander Schlager, currently the second-choice goalkeeper at Werder Bremen, and Florian Wiegele of Viktoria Pilsen in an expanded pool designed to scout future options between the posts.
Defensive reinforcements include Felix Bacher from French club Olympique Lyon. Rangnick highlighted the significance of Bacher’s club environment, noting that Lyon represents a high standard of professional development. In the midfield, Austria has secured a call-up for Vasilije Markovic. The Austria Wien prospect featured prominently in the nation’s U17 World Cup run last autumn and reportedly drew attention from the Serbian federation, making his inclusion in the senior ÖFB squad a significant milestone for his international future.
In addition to the true debutants, Christoph Lang of LASK and Nikolas Veratschnig of Red Bull Salzburg return to the senior setup still seeking their first official international caps. According to team disclosures, the presence of six players from the Austrian Bundesliga marks a notable high point for domestic representation during Rangnick’s tenure.
Comebacks and High-Profile Absences
The squad also features several notable returns following injury or selection absences. Schalke defender Maximilian Wöber rejoins the team after missing the World Cup due to injury, alongside club teammate Junior Adamu and Werder Bremen attacker Marco Grüll.
However, the roster is equally defined by who is missing. Captain David Alaba is absent from the list following his departure from Real Madrid, leaving the 34-year-old defender currently unattached. Midfield mainstay Marcel Sabitzer is also unavailable, having announced an intentional break from national team duties. Meanwhile, historic appearance leader Marko Arnautovic concluded his international career following the conclusion of the World Cup.
Despite the personnel changes, Rangnick maintained that the team’s tactical philosophy remains unchanged. The coaching staff intends to stick to the established playing style, prioritizing aggressive pressing and direct transitions as the foundation of the team’s competitive approach.
Upcoming Nations League Schedule
Austria opens this phase of the Nations League with a pair of home fixtures before heading onto the road. Following the opening window, the team travels for a pair of away matches in early October. On October 1, Austria visits Ireland, followed by an away fixture on October 4 against Kosovo at the Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri in Prishtina. Both away matches are scheduled for live broadcast on ORF1.
The group stage concludes in November with a double-header, hosting Ireland in Linz on November 14 before traveling to Debrecen to face Israel three days later.
Keep reading
