World Cup qualifiers 2026: Austria-Cyprus, likely lineups
Strong with two victories in as many matches, Austria is looking in front of the home fans at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz for three more important points in the race for the 2026 World Cup: the evening’s opponent is the national team of Cyprus, which, on the other hand, has only scored three points in as many matches, thanks to the success it inflicted on San Marino (2-0) last March 21.
Leaded by Ralf Rangnick, Austria is still relying on veteran Arnautovic in attack, supported by a quick and technical three-quarter made up of Schmid, Baumgartner and Sabitzer. The goal is to build on their successes in Group H qualifying last June, when the Austrian national team beat Romania 2-1 at home and 4-0 San Marino away.
On the other side, selector Akis Mantzios is ready to field a compact team, with Kastanos and Kyriakou in the midfield with Kosti and Correia on the two flanks. In attack, space is given to Loizoi and Kakoullis. In June, the Cypriots played a friendly with Bulgaria, drawing 2-2, and a qualifying match with Romania, losing 2-0.
Probable lineups
AUSTRIA (4-2-3-1): Pentz; Wimmer, Lienhart, Danso, Mwene; Laimer, Seiwald; Schmid, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic. C.t. Rangnick.
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CIPRO (4-4-2): Mall; Satsias, Sielis, Laifis, Malekkides; Kosti, Kastanos, Kyriakou, Correia; Loizou, Kakoullis. C.t. Mantzios.
