Jordan make their long-awaited FIFA World Cup debut against Austria in a Group J encounter that presents two nations with very different tournament histories.
While Jordan are experiencing football’s biggest stage for the first time, Austria return after a 28-year absence determined to make an impact.
Austria Back After Long Wait
Austria return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 after a successful qualifying campaign.
They secured six victories from eight group matches, drawing once and losing once, and arrive with renewed confidence under Ralf Rangnick.
Rangnick’s high-intensity counter-pressing philosophy has transformed Austria into one of Europe’s most entertaining teams, with their run to the Euro 2024 knockout stages providing further evidence of their progress.
Their preparation has also been encouraging, with three friendly victories, including clean-sheet wins against fellow World Cup participants in their final matches.
Austria are aiming to reach the knockout stage for only the second time in their history and first since 1954.
Jordan Ready for Historic Debut
Jordan are among the four nations making their first-ever World Cup appearance.
The Chivalrous Ones earned their place through an impressive Asian qualifying campaign, winning eight matches, drawing five and losing three.
Head coach Jamal Sellami was rewarded with Jordanian citizenship after guiding the nation to qualification, a historic achievement that has united the country behind the team.
However, their final preparations have exposed weaknesses. Jordan failed to win any of their four warm-up matches, drawing twice and losing twice, while conceding at least two goals in each game.
Their attacking quality remains a major asset, though, with five goals scored across those fixtures.
First Meeting Between Two Nations
This will be the first-ever meeting between Jordan and Austria.
It will also be Austria’s first World Cup match against an Asian opponent.
Key Players to Watch
Austria will rely on Marcel Sabitzer, who has been a key figure across their last three major tournaments.
Sabitzer scored in each of Austria’s final three friendly matches, opening the scoring every time.
Jordan’s hopes will rest on Ali Olwan, who topped their World Cup qualifying scoring charts with nine goals and played a crucial role in securing six victories.
Austria will be without Christoph Baumgartner, who was ruled out of the tournament, with Dejan Ljubicic replacing him.
Jordan replaced injured midfielder Ibrahim Sabra with Mohammad Abu Ghosh.
Numbers That Matter
- Austria are appearing at their first World Cup since 1998.
- Austria have never recorded a 0-0 draw in 29 World Cup matches.
- Thirteen of Austria’s last 14 World Cup goals came in the second half.
- Four of Jordan’s last five matches saw both teams score.
- Nine of the last 12 goals Jordan conceded came after the 30th minute.
Kick-off is set for Wednesday morning at 7 am.
