Austria national football team
Mens national football team.
The Austria national football team (Austrian German: Österreichische Fußballnationalmannschaft) represents Austria in men's international football competitions and is governed by the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB). Founded on March 18, 1904, the team has a rich history and has experienced both significant successes and challenges throughout its existence. The team is commonly referred to as "Das Team" (The Team) and has a passionate following.
Austria has qualified for the FIFA World Cup seven times, with their debut in 1934. Their best performance came in 1954 when they finished third, showcasing a strong squad that included notable players like Ernst Ocwirk. The team also had success in the early 20th century, known as the "Wunderteam," under coach Hugo Meisl. This period saw Austria finish fourth in the 1934 World Cup and earn a silver medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
Following World War II, Austria reestablished its national team and continued to compete at a high level. They achieved notable victories throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including a famous win over England at Wembley Stadium in 1965. However, the following decades brought fluctuating fortunes, with missed qualifications for several World Cups and disappointing results in European competitions.
Austria's footballing landscape began to change in the late 2000s, leading to a resurgence in form. They automatically qualified for UEFA Euro 2008 as co-hosts with Switzerland but were eliminated in the group stage. The team found renewed success by qualifying for Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 under current head coach Ralf Rangnick.
As of October 2024, Austria is ranked 23rd in the FIFA World Rankings. The team's colors are red and white, reflecting their national identity. Notable players include David Alaba, who serves as captain, and Marko Arnautović, who holds the record for most caps. Austria continues to build on its footballing heritage with aspirations for further success on both European and world stages.