Veteran Arnautovic to lead Austria attack at World Cup, Wanner, Chukwuemeka called up

May 18 : Veteran striker Marko Arnautovic headlines Austria's 26-man World Cup squad named by head coach Ralf Rangnick on Monday, with the country's record appearance maker set to lead the line in North America.

The selection locks in the 37-year-old forward, anchoring an experienced core alongside captain David Alaba and midfielder Marcel Sabitzer as Austria return to the world stage after a 28-year absence.

Beyond the veteran leadership, Rangnick’s squad selection is defined by a bold infusion of youth, highlighted by the inclusion of newly naturalised talents Paul Wanner and Carney Chukwuemeka. The dual-national midfielders, who play for PSV Eindhoven and Borussia Dortmund respectively, committed their international futures to Austria this year and have been fast-tracked into the squad.

While the midfield boasts depth, Rangnick faced a severe selection headache in central defence, resulting in heartbreak for several tournament regulars. Long-term injury layoffs proved costly for Feyenoord's Gernot Trauner and Werder Bremen's Maximilian Wober. Despite both returning to club action in April, the manager deemed them short of peak match fitness.

"Ultimately, we decided based on what we already knew and what's needed for a tournament like this, which lasts a long time. We want to go as far as possible at the World Cup," Rangnick said on Monday.

"We tried to invite the best players, but also those who are the right fit for our style of play." 

Austria are in Group J and will start the tournament against Jordan before facing Argentina and Algeria.

Austria squad

Goalkeepers: Patrick Pentz (Brondby IF), Alexander Schlager (FC Red Bull Salzburg), Florian Wiegele (Viktoria Pilsen)

Defenders: David Affengruber (Elche CF), David Alaba