Austria End 28-Year Wait With 3-1 Win Over Jordan at the 2026 World Cup
Austria marked their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence with a hard-fought 3-1 win over tournament debutants Jordan in their Group J opener at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Ralf Rangnick’s side leaned on a second-half own goal and a stoppage-time penalty to see off a spirited Jordan team, and in doing so claimed Austria’s first World Cup victory in 36 years.
Austria Strike Early as Olwan Makes History
Midfielder Romano Schmid put Austria ahead in the 20th minute, finishing calmly after a well-timed run into the box. Rangnick’s high press squeezed Jordan in the opening half hour and the European side looked in command. But Jordan refused to be overwhelmed. Just five minutes into the second half, forward Ali Olwan latched onto a defensive lapse and slotted home in the 50th minute. The goal was historic — Jordan’s first ever at a World Cup finals — and it briefly threatened to turn the game on its head.
An Own Goal and a Late Penalty Settle It
With Jordan growing in confidence and pushing for a lead, the game turned in the 76th minute. Defender Yazan Alarab, under pressure inside his own box, turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear, restoring Austria’s lead at 2-1. Jordan threw bodies forward in search of another equaliser but left gaps at the back. Deep into stoppage time, in the 90+12th minute, Austria won a penalty and veteran Marko Arnautovic stepped up to convert it, sealing a 3-1 win. Austria’s goalkeeper and defence had earlier held firm against a string of Jordan set pieces to protect the advantage.
Tactical Read and Standout Performers
Austria’s intensity and pressing were central to their performance, with Marcel Sabitzer dictating play in midfield and Marko Arnautovic offering a focal point up front before capping the win from the penalty spot in stoppage time. Jordan, led by Rennes playmaker Musa Al-Taamari, showed the same fighting spirit that carried them to the Asian Cup final two years ago, repeatedly stretching the defence with quick transitions. In the end, a lack of big-stage experience and the cruel own goal told against the debutants, who can nonetheless hold their heads high. The match was played at a high tempo throughout, with both sides committed to attacking football.
Group J Picture and What’s Next
The win lifts Austria to three points, level with holders Argentina — who beat Algeria 3-0 on the same day — at the top of Group J. Jordan and Algeria sit at the bottom with plenty to do. Austria’s next test against Argentina now looms as a likely decider for top spot. Follow every result on our live scores page and find every write-up in our match report section.
