Austria and Jordan kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns on Wednesday, June 17 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, in a Group J opener that carries enormous significance for both sides. Austria return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year absence, while Jordan make their historic debut at the tournament. With defending champions Argentina and African giants Algeria also in Group J, every point in this fixture could prove decisive.
In this blog, you will find everything you need to know about how to watch Austria vs Jordan live, including kick-off time, broadcaster details, team news, squad lists, and tactical analysis.
Key Details
- Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 12:00 a.m. ET / 9:00 p.m. PT (Tuesday, June 16) / 5:00 a.m. BST / 9:30 a.m. IST / 2:00 p.m. AEST
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California, USA
- Where to Watch: Fox Sports / FS1 (USA) | BBC One / BBC iPlayer (UK) | SBS on Demand (Australia) | Zee5 (India)
Where to Watch Austria vs. Jordan Football World Cup Match?
Austria vs Jordan is available on BBC One in the United Kingdom, Fox Sports and FS1 in the United States, SBS in Australia, and Zee5 in India. All 104 matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are available free to air in the UK, split between BBC and ITV.
BBC iPlayer offers a free online stream of the match for UK viewers across desktop, mobile, and smart TV devices. In the USA, Fox Sports and FS1 provide English-language coverage while Telemundo and Universo carry Spanish-language broadcasts. FIFA+ is also available as a backup streaming option in select territories where local broadcast rights have not been acquired.
How to Watch Austria vs. Jordan with a VPN
If the Austria vs Jordan match is unavailable in your region, a VPN unlocks free access to BBC iPlayer, which broadcasts the match live at no cost. BBC iPlayer is geoblocked to the United Kingdom, so connecting via a UK server gives you a British IP address and full access.
Follow these steps to watch via VPN:
- Sign up for PureVPN and install the app on your preferred device.
- Connect to a UK server to obtain a British IP address.
- Visit BBC iPlayer and sign in or create a free account.
- Search for Austria vs Jordan and start streaming the match live.
Note: Always check the terms and conditions of your streaming service before using a VPN. Laws and platform policies around VPN use vary by country.
Austria vs. Jordan FIFA World Cup 2026 Team News
Austria Team News
Ralf Rangnick took charge of Austria in 2022 and has transformed the national team into one of Europe’s most cohesive and tactically advanced sides. The German coach, who previously served as interim manager at Manchester United, had publicly stated he would resign if Austria failed to qualify for the World Cup. They did qualify, topping UEFA Group H with 19 points from eight matches, and Rangnick now leads Das Team to their eighth World Cup appearance.
Austria thrived in the final qualifying rounds and carried their momentum into pre-tournament preparation. They defeated Ghana and South Korea in March friendlies before facing Tunisia in June, though that match saw Konrad Laimer collect a red card. Laimer’s suspension does not carry over to the World Cup, confirming his availability for the opener against Jordan.
Christoph Baumgartner, one of Austria’s most dangerous attacking midfielders who scored 13 Bundesliga goals for RB Leipzig last season, is the notable absentee having suffered a thigh injury that rules him out of the Jordan fixture. David Alaba, the captain who missed Euro 2024 entirely due to a serious knee injury, has been declared fit and is expected to lead the side from the back. Marcel Sabitzer is set to reach 100 caps during the tournament. Austria set up in a 4-2-3-1 system that relies on gegenpressing, high tempo transitions, and relentless pressing to unsettle opponents from the first whistle.
Jordan Team News
Jamal Sellami became the first man to lead Jordan to a FIFA World Cup and is described as a hugely popular figure in the country as a result. The Moroccan coach, who made 38 appearances for the Atlas Lions as a player and was part of the squad at the 1998 World Cup, was appointed in June 2024 and built on the work of his predecessor Hussein Ammouta. Sellami has spoken openly about using Morocco’s 2022 semi-final run as a tactical blueprint for his Jordan project.
Jordan reached the 2023 AFC Asian Cup final, losing to hosts Qatar, and then pushed Morocco to extra time in the 2025 Arab Cup final. They scored 32 goals during AFC World Cup qualifying, their highest tally in a single qualification campaign. Captain Ehsan Haddad, who spent almost a year on the sidelines with injury, was passed fit for the squad announcement and is expected to marshal the defensive line.
The most painful absence is Yazan Al-Naimat, Jordan’s joint top scorer in qualifying with eight goals, who was ruled out due to a knee injury sustained at the Arab Cup. Late injury also forced the withdrawal of striker Ibrahim Sabra, who had originally been named in the 26-man group. Mousa Al-Tamari, Jordan’s most recognisable player who became the first Jordanian to score in a top five European league while at Rennes, carries the creative burden in attack. Jordan are expected to set up in a compact 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 structure focused on defensive solidity, quick transitions, and set-piece threat.
Austria World Cup 2026 Squad
- Goalkeepers: Alexander Schlager, Patrick Pentz, Florian Wiegele
- Defenders: David Alaba, Kevin Danso, Marco Friedl, Philipp Lienhart, Phillipp Mwene, Stefan Posch, David Affengruber, Alexander Prass, Michael Svoboda
- Midfielders: Marcel Sabitzer, Konrad Laimer, Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager, Romano Schmid, Florian Grillitsch, Carney Chukwuemeka, Paul Wanner, Patrick Wimmer, Alessandro Schöpf
- Forwards: Marko Arnautovic, Michael Gregoritsch, Sasa Kalajdzic
Jordan World Cup 2026 Squad
- Goalkeepers: Yazeed Abulaila, Abdullah Al-Fakhouri, Noor Bani Attiah
- Defenders: Ehsan Haddad, Abdallah Nasib, Saed Al-Rosan, Saleem Obaid, Yazan Al-Arab, Mohammad Abualnadi, Husam Abu Dahab, Anas Banawi, Mohannad Abu Taha, Mohammad Abu Hasheesh
- Midfielders: Noor Al-Rawabdeh, Nizar Al-Rashdan, Ibrahim Saadeh, Rajaei Ayed, Mahmoud Al-Mardi, Amer Jamous, Mohammad Al-Dawoud
- Forwards: Mousa Al-Tamari, Odeh Al-Fakhouri, Mohammad Abu Zrayq, Ali Azaizeh, Ali Olwan
Austria vs. Jordan Match Preview
Austria and Jordan meet on the night of June 16 into early morning June 17 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, a venue more commonly associated with NFL football but now playing host to one of the most symbolically charged fixtures of the 2026 group stage. For Austria, this is a long-awaited return after 28 years. For Jordan, it is the defining moment of a generation.
Austria arrive having qualified without losing a single match in UEFA Group H, finishing with 19 points and a goal difference that demonstrated attacking punch as well as defensive solidity. Their 10-0 demolition of San Marino and 2-1 victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina across the qualifying campaign showed range and depth. Jordan finished second in their AFC group behind South Korea, edging out Iraq and Oman with 16 points across the third round.
The stakes are clear for both sides. Austria know that a dropped points total against Jordan, with Argentina waiting in the second game, could place early knockout pressure on their campaign. Jordan understand that the Austria opener represents their best realistic chance of a positive result from a group that includes the reigning world champions.
Tactical Outlook
Rangnick’s Austria will press high and fast, looking to destabilise Jordan’s compact defensive shape from the opening whistle. The 4-2-3-1 system places Sabitzer or Schmid in creative roles behind the striker, with Laimer and Seiwald providing energy and cover in the double pivot. Arnautovic, the 37-year-old record scorer, provides a physical focal point up front but may be managed for minutes given the compressed schedule ahead.
Jordan’s likely 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 setup will invite Austria to come forward and look to exploit the space left behind on the transition. Al-Tamari’s pace and dribbling ability make him the primary outlet, and Jordan will look to get him on the ball in dangerous positions as quickly as possible. The key matchup is Al-Tamari versus Austria’s defensive line, with Alaba and Lienhart needing to track and contain the Rennes forward throughout.
Austria carry the weight of quality and experience, and expect to control possession for long spells. Jordan’s best chance lies in absorbing that pressure, staying compact, and converting on a set piece or counterattack when the opportunity arrives. Austria are the clear favorites but Jordan’s defensive record in qualifying, having conceded just 10 goals across 10 AFC matches, suggests they will not be easy to break down.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Kick-off (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16 | France vs Senegal | New York/NJ Stadium | 3:00 p.m. |
| June 16 | Iraq vs Norway | Boston Stadium | 6:00 p.m. |
| June 16 | Austria vs Jordan | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | 12:00 a.m. (June 17) |
| June 17 | Argentina vs Algeria | Kansas City Stadium | 9:00 p.m. |
| June 17 | Portugal vs Congo DR | Houston Stadium | 1:00 p.m. |
| June 17 | England vs Croatia | Dallas Stadium | 4:00 p.m. |
| June 17 | Ghana vs Panama | Toronto Stadium | 7:00 p.m. |
| June 18 | Uzbekistan vs Colombia | Guadalajara | 8:00 p.m. |
| June 18 | Czechia vs South Africa | Atlanta | 3:00 p.m. |
| June 18 | Switzerland vs Bosnia-Herzegovina | Los Angeles | 6:00 p.m. |
| June 18 | Canada vs Qatar | Vancouver | 9:00 p.m. |
| June 19 | Mexico vs Korea Republic | Guadalajara | 8:00 p.m. |
FIFA Football World Cup 2026 Preview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be the most ambitious and expansive edition of football’s grandest stage. The 23rd edition of the tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For the first time ever, three nations are co-hosting the World Cup; a milestone that reflects both the scale of the event and the growing global footprint of the beautiful game.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Format Explained: 48 Nations, 104 Matches
An expanded World Cup will feature 48 teams, 16 more than in Qatar 2022, and take place across three host nations for the first time. This expansion fundamentally changes the tournament’s structure.
The competition now consists of 12 groups of four teams, with each team playing three matches in their respective groups. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament will advance to the knockout Round of 32.
With 32 teams advancing, the knockout stage now includes a Round of 32, a Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, meaning there will be 104 matches in total, 40 more than in Qatar. As a result, the 2026 World Cup will last 39 days instead of the roughly 32 days of previous tournaments.
16 Host Cities Across 3 Nations in FIFA World Cup 2026
There will be 16 host cities in total, with 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
The cities where these games will take place include Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara in Mexico; and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, and New York/New Jersey in the United States.
The opening match is especially historic. The tournament kicks off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa, making it one of the most iconic venues in World Cup history, and the first stadium to host games at three different men’s World Cups.
The final is set for an equally iconic setting. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which has been rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium for the event in order to comply with FIFA’s corporate name policy.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed the 2026 World Cup final will have a half-time show. Coldplay will be involved in putting together the event at MetLife Stadium, in a move inspired by the NFL’s Super Bowl.
The Stars to Watch in FIFA World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup features a massive mix of established superstars and next-generation talent. Here are the names central to the tournament conversation:
Established Legends
- Lionel Messi — Argentina’s captain, widely expected to play his final World Cup
- Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal’s all-time icon, also likely bowing out on the biggest stage
Elite Europeans
- Kylian Mbappé — France’s generational superstar and title favourite
- Erling Haaland — Norway’s goal machine making his World Cup debut
- Jude Bellingham — England’s midfield engine and creative force
- Jamal Musiala — Germany’s technically gifted young star
- Lamine Yamal — Spain’s teenage sensation
- Harry Kane — England’s all-time top scorer hunting major honours
South American Powerhouses
- Vinícius Júnior — Brazil’s electric winger and Ballon d’Or contender
- Federico Valverde — Uruguay’s tireless and technically brilliant midfielder
North American Heroes
- Alphonso Davies — Canada’s captain and fan favourite on home soil
- Christian Pulisic — The face of US soccer playing in front of a home crowd
African Star
- Mohamed Salah — Egypt’s legendary forward bringing vast club experience to the global stage
For Messi and Ronaldo, this will likely be their final World Cups, giving the tournament an unmistakably emotional dimension as two of the greatest players in football history bow out on the grandest stage.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Stadiums
| Stadium Name | Host City | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Stadium | Toronto | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 45,000 |
| BC Place Vancouver | Vancouver | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | 54,000 |
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | Mexico City, Mexico | 83,000 |
| Estadio Guadalajara | Guadalajara | Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico | 48,000 |
| Estadio Monterrey | Monterrey | Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico | 53,500 |
| Atlanta Stadium | Atlanta | Atlanta, Georgia, USA | 75,000 |
| Boston Stadium | Boston | Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA | 65,000 |
| Dallas Stadium | Dallas | Arlington, Texas, USA | 94,000 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston | Houston, Texas, USA | 72,000 |
| Kansas City Stadium | Kansas City | Kansas City, Missouri, USA | 73,000 |
| Los Angeles Stadium | Los Angeles | Inglewood, California, USA | 70,000 |
| Miami Stadium | Miami | Miami Gardens, Florida, USA | 65,000 |
| MetLife Stadium | New York/New Jersey | East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA | 82,500 |
| Philadelphia Stadium | Philadelphia | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 69,000 |
| San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium) | San Francisco Bay Area | Santa Clara, California, USA | 71,000 |
| Seattle Stadium | Seattle | Seattle, Washington, USA | 69,000 |
Prize Money and Commercial Scale for FIFA World Cup 2026
The prize money for the 2026 World Cup was confirmed at a FIFA Council meeting in Doha. The prize fund is up 50 per cent on that of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and each team also receives $1.5m to cover preparation costs, meaning every team is guaranteed at least $10.5m.
The United States last hosted the men’s World Cup in 1994, and that tournament still holds the record as the most attended World Cup with 3.6 million fans. But that record will certainly be shattered in 2026 with fans entering turnstiles in three countries.
FIFA World Cup 2026 official broadcasters
Here’s a list of the official broadcasters for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2026 in different countries across the world.
| Country/Region | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ATN |
| Albania | TV Klan |
| Algeria | ENTV |
| Andorra | RTVE, M6, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Angola | Z Sports |
| Argentina | Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports |
| Armenia | Fast Sports |
| Aruba | Telearuba |
| Australia | SBS |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV, Magenta Sport |
| Azerbaijan | İTV |
| Bangladesh | TBA |
| Belize | Nexgen |
| Belgium | VRT, RTBF |
| Bolivia | Red Uno, Unitel, Entel, Tigo Sports |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena Sport |
| Brazil | Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBT/N Sports |
| Brunei | TBA |
| Bulgaria | BNT |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas |
| Canada | Bell Media |
| Caribbean | Rush Sports |
| Chile | Chilevisión |
| China | CCTV, Migu, Xiaohongshu |
| Colombia | Caracol, RCN, Win Sports |
| Costa Rica | Teletica, Tigo Sports |
| Croatia | HRT |
| Curaçao | Nos Pais Television |
| Cyprus | Sigma TV |
| Czechia | ČT, TV Nova |
| Denmark | DR, TV2 |
| Dominican Republic | CDN 37, Pio Deportes |
| Ecuador | Teleamazonas |
| El Salvador | TCS, Tigo Sports |
| Estonia | TV3 Estonia, ERR |
| Ethiopia | Hagerie TV |
| Fiji | FBC |
| Finland | Yle, MTV3 |
| France (Metropolitan) | M6, beIN Sports |
| France (Ultramarine) | Antenne Réunion, La 1ère |
| Georgia | Setanta Sports, Rustavi 2 |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF, Magenta Sport |
| Ghana | ChannelOne TV |
| Greece | ERT |
| Guatemala | Albavisión, Tigo Sports |
| Haiti | TNH |
| Honduras | Televicentro, Tigo Sports |
| Hong Kong | PCCW |
| Hungary | MTVA |
| Iceland | RÚV |
| India | Unite8 Sports (Zee) |
| Indonesia | TVRI, FolaPlay, Telkomsel |
| Ireland | RTÉ |
| Israel | KAN, Charlton |
| Italy | RAI, DAZN |
| Ivory Coast | RTI, NCI |
| Jamaica | TVJ |
| Japan | NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, DAZN |
| Kazakhstan | QAZTRK |
| Kenya | Azam TV |
| Kosovo | RTK, TV Vala, Arena Sport |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK, Beeline Ukmush TV |
| Laos | TBA |
| Latvia | TV3 Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR |
| Lithuania | TV3 Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | RTBF, M6, ARD, ZDF |
| Macau | TDM |
| Malawi | Azam TV |
| Malaysia | RTM, Unifi TV |
| Maldives | ICE Networks |
| Malta | Television Malta |
| Mauritius | MBC |
| Mexico | TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca |
| MENA | beIN Sports |
| Mongolia | EduTV, National Television, Suld TV, MNB, Mobihome VOO |
| Montenegro | RTCG, Arena Sport |
| Morocco | SNRT |
| Mozambique | Miramar, Z Sports |
| Myanmar | TBA |
| Nepal | Himalaya Sports, Dgo |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| New Zealand | TVNZ |
| Nicaragua | Grupo Ratensa, Tigo Sports |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport |
| Norway | NRK, TV2 |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Tapmad |
| Panama | RPC/COS, TVN Media, Tigo Sports |
| Paraguay | Trece, GEN TV |
| Peru | América Televisión |
| Philippines | Aleph Arena, TAP DMV, Cignal PPV |
| Poland | TVP |
| Portugal | Sport TV, RTP, SIC, TVI, LiveModeTV |
| Romania | Antena |
| Russia | Match TV |
| Rwanda | Azam TV |
| Saint Lucia | Winners Sports TV |
| San Marino | RAI, DAZN |
| Senegal | RTS |
| Serbia | PTC, Arena Sport |
| Singapore | Mediacorp |
| Slovakia | RTVS, TV JOJ |
| Slovenia | RTV SLO, Arena Sport |
| South Africa | SABC, SportyTV |
| South America | DSports, Disney+ |
| South Korea | JTBC, KBS, NAVER Sports, CHZZK |
| Spain | RTVE, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Sri Lanka | TBA |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport |
| Suriname | STVS, ATV |
| Sweden | SVT, TV4 |
| Switzerland | SRG SSR |
| Taiwan | ELTA, EBC, TTV |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV |
| Tanzania | Azam TV |
| Thailand | TBA |
| Timor-Leste | RTTL, ETO |
| Turkey | TRT |
| Turkmenistan | Quest Sports Media |
| Uganda | Azam TV |
| Ukraine | MEGOGO |
| United Kingdom | STV (Central & Northern Scotland), BBC, ITV |
| United States | Fox Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish) |
| Uruguay | Canal 5, Antel TV |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV |
| Vanuatu | VBTC |
| Venezuela | Televen |
| Vietnam | VTV |
| Zambia | Azam TV |
| Zimbabwe | Azam TV |
Major FIFA Football World Cup 2026 Matches to Watch This Week
With the group stage now underway, several of the tournament’s biggest storylines are still to come. Here’s what’s on the horizon for the stars listed above.
Argentina vs Algeria — Messi’s Farewell Tour Begins (June 16, Kansas City)
Defending champions Argentina open their campaign against Algeria, marking what is widely expected to be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance. Given Argentina’s pedigree and Messi’s status as one of the most-watched athletes on the planet, this fixture is likely to be one of the most-streamed matches of the opening week.
Iraq vs Norway — Erling Haaland’s World Cup Debut (June 16, Foxborough)
Norway’s long wait for a return to the World Cup stage ends here, and it comes with one of football’s most prolific strikers in Erling Haaland making his tournament debut. Norway will be looking to start strong in Group I against Iraq.
Portugal vs DR Congo — Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Opener (June 17, Houston)
Cristiano Ronaldo makes his Group K bow against World Cup debutants DR Congo. Like Messi, this is expected to be Ronaldo’s last World Cup, adding emotional weight to every appearance he makes throughout the tournament.
England vs Croatia (June 17, Arlington)
A repeat of past tournament classics, this Group L meeting pits Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane’s England against a Croatia side that has reached a final and a semi-final in the last two World Cups.
2026 FIFA World Cup: A Tournament for the Ages
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is more than a football tournament, it is a cultural event spanning an entire continent. The tournament is expected to be the largest World Cup ever by both attendance and scale, and is also expected to expand the reach of football across North America.
With legendary players potentially playing their last World Cups, host nations hungry for glory, and a brand-new format delivering more football than ever before, the summer of 2026 promises to be utterly unforgettable for fans around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Austria vs Jordan kicks off on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 5:00 a.m. BST (12:00 a.m. ET / 9:00 p.m. PT on June 16) at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Both nations compete in Group J alongside defending champions Argentina and Algeria. The group is considered one of the most difficult in the tournament for all four sides.
Mousa Al-Tamari, the Rennes forward nicknamed the ‘Jordanian Messi’, is Jordan’s key player. He scored seven goals and registered 11 assists in 36 club appearances last season and contributed seven goals in AFC qualifying.
Austria topped UEFA Group H unbeaten during qualification with 19 points from eight matches. In pre-tournament friendlies, they defeated Ghana and South Korea before a June friendly against Tunisia, where the only blemish was Konrad Laimer’s red card which carries no suspension into the tournament.
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