Austria survives a spirited Jordanian challenge and secures its first World Cup victory since 1990, joining Argentina atop Group J.
Austria finally put an end to a 36-year wait for a FIFA World Cup victory, defeating Jordan 3-1 in Santa Clara to begin its 2026 campaign with three crucial points.
Ralf Rangnick’s team was made to work much harder than expected by a determined Jordanian side making its World Cup debut, but an unfortunate own goal and a late penalty from substitute Marko Arnautovic ultimately secured the win.
The result allows Austria to move level with Argentina at the top of Group J after the reigning world champions opened their tournament with a 3-0 victory over Algeria.
Austria entered the match as clear favorites, yet Jordan quickly showed that it would not simply play the role of underdog. Jamal Sellami’s team defended compactly, looked dangerous in transition, and caused several problems for the Austrian back line.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Romano Schmid produced a moment of quality. The Werder Bremen midfielder collected possession outside the area and curled a beautiful right-footed effort beyond Abdullah Abulaila to give Austria a deserved 1-0 lead.
The goal appeared to put the match under Austrian control, but Jordan emerged from halftime with renewed confidence.
Only four minutes into the second half, Ali Olwan completed a swift counterattack with a superb curling effort that kissed the post before beating Alexander Schlager, leveling the score at 1-1.
For a brief period, Jordan looked the more dangerous side and even threatened to take the lead as Austria struggled to regain its composure.
Rangnick responded by introducing veteran striker Marko Arnautovic at the beginning of the second half, replacing the ineffective Sasa Kalajdzic. The substitution proved decisive.
The former Inter Milan forward immediately changed the rhythm of Austria’s attack. He had a goal disallowed because of a handball by Philipp Posch in the buildup, but his physical presence continuously troubled Jordan’s defense.
Austria finally regained the lead in the 75th minute under fortunate circumstances. A corner delivered from the left created confusion inside the penalty area, and defender Yazan Al-Arab inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net while trying to track Arnautovic.
Jordan pushed forward in search of another equalizer, but Austria sealed the victory deep into stoppage time. Arnautovic converted a penalty in the 102nd minute, becoming the oldest Austrian player ever to score at a World Cup at 37 years and 59 days, surpassing Toni Polster’s previous record.
It was a hard-earned victory for Austria, but one that could prove extremely important in the battle for qualification from Group J.
Match Report: Austria 3-1 Jordan
Goals: 21′ Schmid (AUT), 49′ Olwan (JOR), 75′ Own Goal Al-Arab (JOR), 90+12′ Penalty Arnautovic (AUT)
Austria (4-2-3-1): A. Schlager; Posch, Lienhart, Alaba (70′ Danso), Mwene (70′ Wanner); X. Schlager (59′ Chukwuemeka), Seiwald; Schmid (83′ Wimmer), Sabitzer, Laimer; Kalajdzic (46′ Arnautovic).
Head Coach: Ralf Rangnick
Jordan (3-4-2-1): Abulaila; Nasib (81′ Al Rousan), Al-Arab, Abualnadi (72′ Obaid); Haddad (81′ Al-Mardi), Alrawabdeh, Abutaha, Alrashdan; Olwan, Tamari (88′ Al Douad), Fakhoury (89′ Al Azaizah).
Head Coach: Jamal Sellami
Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
Yellow Cards: Not available
Red Cards: None
Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California – FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J
