Austria vs Jordan FIFA WC 2026: Kick-off time, live streaming, squads
Synopsis
Austria end a 28-year World Cup absence when they face debutants Jordan on 17 June in Santa Clara — but arrive with Christoph Baumgartner injured and plenty to prove. Jordan, missing their top striker, must reinvent their attack on the grandest stage. With Argentina expected to dominate Group J, this opener could quietly decide who claims the second qualification spot.
Key Takeaways
Austria vs Jordan kicks off on 17 June 2026 at 9:30 AM IST at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara .
Austria return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 ; Jordan are making their tournament debut .
Austria's Christoph Baumgartner is ruled out with a thigh injury ; captain David Alaba is fit to start.
Jordan's leading striker Yazan Al Naimat misses the tournament; Mousa Tamari expected to lead the attack.
Indian viewers can stream live on Zee5 or watch on Unite8 Sports 1/2 TV channels.
Austria open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against tournament debutants Jordan at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Wednesday, 17 June, with kick-off scheduled for 9:30 AM IST. The match is a Group J opener, and with defending champions Argentina widely expected to top the group, both sides know an early win could prove decisive in the race for the second automatic qualification berth.
Austria's Road to the Match
Austria return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, marking a long-awaited comeback to football's biggest stage. However, their preparations have been dealt a blow: attacking midfielder Christoph Baumgartner has been ruled out with a thigh injury, with Dejan Ljubicic called up as his replacement in the squad.
On a more positive note, captain David Alaba has recovered from a minor muscle issue and is fit to start. Konrad Laimer is also available despite receiving a red card in a recent friendly — such suspensions do not carry over into tournament fixtures.
Jordan's Injury Setbacks
Jordan, making their World Cup debut, arrive with their own injury concerns. Leading striker Yazan Al Naimat has been ruled out of the entire tournament, while Ibrahim Sabra has also withdrawn from the squad, creating an opening for Mohammad Taha. With their primary goalscorer absent, head coach Jamal Sellami is expected to organise his attack around winger Mousa Tamari, supported by Ali Olwan and Odeh Fakhoury in a fluid front three.
How to Watch Austria vs Jordan Live in India
Indian viewers can catch the match via live streaming on the Zee5 platform and app — a subscription is required. For television, the game will be broadcast on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD channels.
Key Match Details
Date and kick-off: Wednesday, 17 June 2026, 9:30 AM IST
Venue: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, San Francisco Bay Area
Referee: Dahane Beida
Group: Group J
Full Squads
Austria
Goalkeepers: Patrick Pentz, Alexander Schlager, Florian Wiegele
Defenders: David Affengruber, David Alaba, Kevin Danso, Marco Friedl, Philipp Lienhart, Phillipp Mwene, Stefan Posch, Alexander Prass, Michael Svoboda
Midfielders: Christoph Baumgartner, Carney Chukwuemeka, Florian Grillitsch, Konrad Laimer, Marcel Sabitzer, Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald, Romano Schmid, Alessandro Schöpf, Paul Wanner, Patrick Wimmer
Forwards: Marko Arnautovic, Michael Gregoritsch, Sasa Kalajdzic
Jordan
Goalkeepers: Yazid Abulaila, Abdallah Al Fakhouri, Nour Bani Attiah
Defenders: Mohammad Abualnadi, Husam Abu Dahab, Mohammad Abu Hashish, Yazan Al Arab, Abdallah Nasib, Saleem Obaid, Ehsan Haddad, Saed Al-Rosan, Anas Banawi, Mohannad Abu Taha
Midfielders: Mohammad Al Dawoud, Nizar Al Rashdan, Noor Al Rawabdeh, Rajaei Ayed, Amer Jamous, Ibrahim Sadeh, Mahmoud Al-Mardi
Forwards: Mousa Al Tamari, Odeh Al-Fakhouri, Mohammad Abu Zrayq, Ali Azaizeh, Ali Olwan, Ibrahim Sabra
With Austria's 28-year World Cup absence adding emotional weight and Jordan's historic debut bringing fresh energy, this Group J curtain-raiser promises to be a closely fought contest — one that could shape both nations' tournament fates.
Point of View
But because of what it decides. Austria's 28-year absence from the World Cup carries expectation, yet they arrive injury-hit and untested at this level in nearly three decades. Jordan's debut is historic, but losing their top striker before a ball is kicked is a serious blow to a side that was already a massive underdog. The real story here is structural: Group J's pecking order below Argentina will likely be settled in this very first game, making the stakes far higher than the pre-match billing suggests.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Austria vs Jordan FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The match takes place on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, with kick-off at 9:30 AM IST at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It is a Group J opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How can I watch Austria vs Jordan live in India?
The match can be streamed live on the Zee5 platform and app in India — a subscription is required. It will also be telecast on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD television channels.
Which players are injured or unavailable for Austria?
Austria's attacking midfielder Christoph Baumgartner has been ruled out with a thigh injury and replaced in the squad by Dejan Ljubicic. Captain David Alaba has recovered from a minor muscle issue and is fit to play.
Which players are missing for Jordan ahead of the World Cup?
Jordan's leading striker Yazan Al Naimat has been ruled out of the entire tournament, while Ibrahim Sabra has also withdrawn from the squad. Mohammad Taha has been included as a replacement, with Mousa Tamari expected to lead the attack.
Is this Jordan's first FIFA World Cup appearance?
Yes, Jordan are making their FIFA World Cup debut at the 2026 edition. They are part of Group J alongside Austria and defending champions Argentina.
