Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Austria-Tunisia, likely lineups

On Monday night at 8:45 p.m., the spotlight at Vienna’s legendary Ernst-Happel Stadion will be turned on for an interesting friendly in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, pitting Ralf Rangnick’s Austria against Tunisia led by Sabri Lamouchi. The Das Teams return to the starting ribbons of the top rainbow competition after a 28-year absence, crowning a decade-long process of structural growth dragged by charismatic leaders like Alaba and Arnautovic. With no major absences, the Austrians will use this test as a general examination before diving into a real iron group that also includes world champion Argentina. Facing them will be the Eagles of Carthage, in their third consecutive participation in the World Cup. Although without any top stars, former midfielder Lamouchi has created a solid and interesting group ready to give battle to anyone.

Ralf Rangnick, who has been likened to AC Milan, arranges his team with a four-man defense; in front of Pentz, the defensive line will be led by Lienhart and Friedl, with Laimer adapted to the right and Mwene on the opposite lane. The midfield dyke will see Wanner and Schlager act, while in the three-quarter Sabitzer, Baumgartner and Wimmer will have the task of inventing and supporting the only forward Marko Arnautovic.

Sabri Lamouchi to limit the opponents’ power will also choose a four-man defense. Chmakh will defend the posts, protected in the center by Ghram and Rekik, with Neftati and Abdi as full-backs. In the median, Khdira and Skhiri will act as a filter in front of the rearguard, while the trio of Ltaief, Ben Slimane and Saad will act in the three-quarter behind the offensive terminal Achouri.

Probable lineups

Austria (4-2-3-1): Pentz; Laimer, Lienhart, Friedl, Mwene; Wanner, Schlager; Sabitzer, Baumgartner, Wimmer; Arnautovic. All. Rangnick.

Tunisia (4-2-3-1): Chmakh; Neftati, Ghram, Rekik, Abdi; Khdira, Skhiri; Ltaief, Ben Slimane, Saad; Achouri. All. Lamouchi.