Austria Face Jordan in World Cup Opener as 48-Team Expansion Sends 4 Debutants

Q: Will Ralf Rangnick's AC Milan negotiations derail Austria's first World Cup campaign in 28 years?

No. The Milan talks are unlikely to derail Austria’s World Cup, and the latest developments point the other way. Ralf Rangnick had been in serious discussions with AC Milan over a senior sporting role, and the timing created understandable noise just before Austria’s first World Cup in 28 years. But the key issue is that the uncertainty has now been resolved: Rangnick rejected Milan’s offer, citing a lack of clarity, and extended his deal with the Austrian FA until at least the end of 2027, with a possible option through 2028. That decision removes the main risk of distraction. Instead of entering the tournament with questions over whether their coach was about to leave, Austria now have continuity and a clear chain of command. That matters for a team arriving in strong form, with four wins in five matches and 10 goals scored, and facing a much lower-ranked Jordan side in their opener. There is little evidence that the negotiations have damaged preparation on the field. Austria remain clear favorites against Jordan, who are making their World Cup debut and have recently lost to Switzerland and Ecuador. The wider concerns around this tournament are more about player fatigue, travel and the demands of the expanded 48-team format than about Austria’s coaching situation. So while the Milan speculation briefly threatened to become a sideshow, Rangnick’s decision to stay has turned it into a stabilizing moment rather than a destabilizing one.

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jun 17

Austria open their World Cup against Jordan with a clear edge on paper, returning to the tournament after a 28-year absence under coach Ralf Rangnick.
39 places separate the sides in FIFA’s rankings, with Jordan 63rd and Austria entering on four wins in five matches and 10 goals scored.
Jordan arrive for their World Cup debut after benefiting from FIFA’s expansion to 48 teams, but recent results have exposed the challenge ahead.
A 4-1 friendly loss to Switzerland and a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador suggest Austria are favored to start strongly, while Jordan seek to defy expectations.