World Cup Qualification 2026: Romania-Austria, the likely lineups

Austria visits Romania on the seventh day of Group H of World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Kickoff at 8:45 p.m. at the Națională Arena in Bucharest. The Austrians lead the group and aim to secure the first place that guarantees direct access to the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Romania, on the other hand, is in the midst of a tussle for second place, the last spot needed to guarantee at least access to the playoffs.

Lucescu is expected to confirm Radu between the posts, with the Ghita-Burca pair in the center of defense and Ratiu and Oprut on the lanes. In the midfield, Marius Marin will act as a screen in front of the rearguard, with Dennis Man – former Parma – on the three-quarter along with Razvan Marin, Tanase and Dobre. In attack, Dragus’ absence through injury opens the door for Miculescu, favored to start from the first minute as an offensive reference.

Rangnick, for his part, should reintroduce the proven rearguard formed by Posch, Danso, Alaba and Mwene, protected by the Seiwald-Laimer duo in the middle of the field. Up front, there will be room for Schmid, Baumgartner and Sabitzer behind the only forward Arnautovic.

Probable lineups

Romania (4-1-4-1): Radu; Ratiu, Ghita, Burca, Oprut; M. Marin; Man, R. Marin, Tinase, Dobre; Miculescu. Coach: Lucescu.

Austria (4-2-3-1): Pentz; Posch, Danso, Alaba, Mwene; Seiwald, Laimer; Schmid, Baumgartner, Sabitzer; Arnautovic. Coach: Rangnick.

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