Schmid wonder strike gives Austria early World Cup lead

Schmid's stunner gives Austria the lead against Jordan

Austria's first World Cup match since 1998 is underway and Romano Schmid produced a moment of magic. His strike flew into the top corner, prompting the BBC commentator to call it simply: "Wonderful!" (1). The match is live now in Group J, with David Alaba captaining the side (5).

Jordan's lineup includes Yazeed Abulaila in goal, with Yazan Al-Arab and Abdallah Nasib at the back. Musa Al-Taamari leads the attack alongside Ali Olwan, with Jamal Sellami on the bench (2) (3) (4).

Your team needs this result. Argentina await in the group.

Alaba wears the armband

David Alaba captains Austria in the opener, as confirmed by Marca's team sheet (5). Ralf Rangnick, who extended his contract through Euro 2028, has leaned on Bundesliga experience across the squad.

Konrad Laimer is close to extending his Bayern Munich deal. Michael Gregoritsch finalized a permanent move to FC Augsburg for a reported €0.5 million ahead of the tournament.

Fan-reaktioner

Austria entered the tournament as Rangnick's pressing machine, a genuine dark horse pick among neutrals. One Reddit preview called the team well-drilled and dangerous in transition, exactly the identity fans wanted restored after a 24-year World Cup absence. The Schmid goal landed like confirmation. In the group-stage match thread, Arsenal fans tracking group-stage results noted the goal as one of the moments of the day.

World Cup 2026 Preview: Austria