Austria v Jordan – predictions and odds – 2026 World Cup (17 June 2026)

Austria and Jordan kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign in Group J, alongside Argentina and Algeria. It is a crucial match for both sides. Austria know they cannot afford to drop points against the group’s weakest opponent, whilst Jordan arrive at their first World Cup full of enthusiasm and hoping to hold their own and secure positive results.

Austria have a deeper squad; their players are used to the competitive environment of European football, and Ralf Rangnick, their manager, has built a strong team. However, Jordan have just made history in Asia, reaching the final of the Asian Cup and securing their first-ever World Cup qualification, so they won’t make it easy for the Europeans to secure a win.

Austria

Austria returns to a World Cup after a 28-year absence. Their last appearance was at France 1998, and this return is well-deserved following a very solid qualifying campaign. Ralf Rangnick’s work has transformed a team that for years performed below its potential.

I really like the competitive edge the German manager has instilled in them. Austria are not a passive side, but one that presses high up the pitch, which allows them to win the ball in the opposition’s half. The backbone of the team is of international standard. David Alaba remains the natural leader of the group, whilst Marcel Sabitzer brings attacking threat and experience. Similarly, we have two other renowned players, Konrad Laimer and Marko Arnautović, with the former having recently been in the spotlight and the latter continuing to be a key attacking threat despite his advancing years.

Austria’s strength lies in their collective structure. Their ability to win the ball high up the pitch and quickly exploit spaces allows them to create chances without long periods of possession or elaborate moves.

Jordan

Jordan are making history by reaching this World Cup. This is their first-ever World Cup appearance, an achievement that confirms the growth Jordanian football has been experiencing in recent years.

The team managed by Jamal Sellami has a very clear identity. They do not aim to compete through possession or constant back-and-forth exchanges. Their strength lies in tactical organisation, defensive discipline and the speed to launch counter-attacks when they win the ball back.

The most influential player is Mousa Al-Tamari. The winger from French side Rennes is the player best able to make a difference in one-on-one situations and create danger in transition. Also standing out are Ali Olwan, the standout performer in the World Cup qualifiers, and Ehsan Haddad, one of the defensive leaders of the squad.

There is one detail I consider particularly important. Jordan are not coming into this tournament as a team inexperienced on the big stage. Their recent run as runners-up in the Asian Cup showed that they know how to compete in high-pressure matches and cope with the pressure.

However, the physical and technical gap between them and Austria is clear. If Jordan spend too many minutes defending near their own area, they will struggle greatly and it may not be enough.