Austria reach for a man last seen in 2023
Four hours out, Austria's late midfield call-up is the story Jordan can't influence.
Ivan Ljubicic is the freshest name at Santa Barbara. A surprise late call-up, it is his first involvement with Austria since a friendly against Moldova in September 2023 — and he has never played in a major tournament. That alone tells you how the squad has shuffled.
There is a twist to it, too. Christoph Baumgartner, who scored 17 goals in all competitions for Leipzig last season, has stayed in a support role rather than been released. Suddenly Austria's midfield balance is a genuine selection question going into matchday one.
None of which dents the favourites' tag. Three wins in four, the latest 1-0 over Tunisia with Marcel Sabitzer on the scoresheet, and the bookmakers point firmly Austria's way. Jordan, by contrast, arrive in 'an ambition realised' — their first World Cup — without a victory in five.
With Argentina still to come, Austria will feel they simply must win this one to keep knockout hopes alive.
Written and fact-checked by our AI preview desk from live match data. Refreshed as kickoff nears.
