Austria vs. Romania: World Cup Qualifier Preview, How to Watch
Austria and Romania are set to clash in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. Both teams are vying for vital points in Group H, making this a highly anticipated encounter. Austria hopes to leverage its home advantage, while Romania aims to maintain its momentum in the qualifying campaign.
When and Where to Watch Austria vs. Romania
The match is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 2:45 p.m. ET. Fans in the United States can stream the game live on the FOX Sports app and FOXSports.com. The venue is the iconic Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria, known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate fans.
Historical Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Austria and Romania have a storied rivalry, having faced each other 12 times since 1924. Romania holds a slight edge with 4 wins, compared to Austria's 3, with 5 matches ending in a draw. Recent encounters include:
- 10/14/2020: Romania 0, Austria 1 (UEFA Nations League)
- 9/7/2020: Austria 2, Romania 3 (UEFA Nations League)
- 6/5/2012: Austria 0, Romania 0 (International Friendly)
Recent Form and Team News
Austria's recent form has been inconsistent, with a mix of wins, losses, and draws. Romania, under the guidance of coach Mircea Lucescu, are looking to build on their strong start to the qualifying campaign. According to reports, Romania's starting lineup might feature some surprises, including a player returning to the team after a three-year absence.
Projected Starting Lineups
Based on recent information, here are the possible starting lineups:
- Austria (4-2-3-1): Pentz - Wimmer, Wober, Lienhart, Mwene - Laimer, Seiwald - Schmid, Baumgartner, Sabitzer - Gregoritsch
- Romania (4-4-2): Moldovan - Rațiu, M.Popescu, Burcă, Bancu - Man, R.Marin, Chiricheș, Stanciu - Bîrligea, Drăguș
The match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams eager to secure a crucial victory on their path to the 2026 World Cup. Fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with tactical intrigue and passionate performances.