Austria play their first 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match of the campaign when they welcome Romania to the Brann Stadion on Saturday night. The visitors have earned a total of three points from their opening two qualifying games, and a win for either side could see them rise up the table in Group H.
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Austria vs Romania prediction: Draw on the cards?
Key stats
- Austria are winless in three games in all competitions, having previously won three in a row.
- Romania have won six of their last seven matches over all competitions.
- The last three H2Hs have produced mixed results, with each team winning once and there being one draw.
Correct score prediction: Austria 1-1 Romania
In contrasting forms, Romania could cause an upset when they travel to Austria, although the hosts are still a force to be reckoned with. Indeed, they are ranked 23 places (22nd) higher than Romania (45th) in the FIFA World Rankings for a reason.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Austria heavy favourites on home soil
- HOME: 2/5 (1.40) – 71.4%
- DRAW: 18/5 (4.60) – 21.7%
- AWAY: 15/2 (8.50) – 11.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Austria are actually odds-on favourites to claim all three points on their home turf, while a draw is the next favoured result. A Romania victory is deemed the least likely outcome, given less than a 12% chance.
Also, feel free to check out our Football Betting Tips Today page for more predictions and odds.
Most recent H2Hs: Mixed bag
As mentioned above, the previous three results have all produced different outcomes, with both teams winning one each and there being one draw. Generally, recent meetings have also been fairly low-scoring, with just 11 goals scored in total across the last five.
UEFA Nations League 14/10/20
Romania
Austria
UEFA Nations League 07/09/20
Austria
Romania
Austria preview: No fresh concerns
Austria have reported no fresh concerns since announcing their squad for the upcoming qualifiers. This means that they should be able to pick the strongest team possible against Romania.
Predicted lineup: Pentz (GK), Posch, Lienhart, Wober, Ulmer, Laimer, Schlager, Sabitzer, Baumgartner, Arnautovic & Gregoritsch
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
L
Serbia
2
Austria
0
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
D
Serbia
1
Austria
1
UEFA Nations League B 17/11/24
D
Slovenia
1
Austria
1
UEFA Nations League B 14/11/24
W
Kazakhstan
0
Austria
2
UEFA Nations League B 13/10/24
W
Norway
1
Austria
5
Romania preview: Also no new concerns
Likewise, Romania also have no new concerns to report since announcing their own squad for the qualifiers. We should expect the visitors to field a strong XI as they look to cause an upset in Austria.
Predicted lineup: Radu (GK), Ratiu, Burca, Dragusin, Bancu, Marin, Stanciu, Cicaldau, Man, Coman & Puscas
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 24/03/25
W
San Marino
1
Romania
5
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
L
Bosnia-Herzegovina
1
Romania
0
UEFA Nations League C 18/11/24
W
Cyprus
1
Romania
4
UEFA Nations League C 15/10/24
W
Lithuania
1
Romania
2
UEFA Nations League C 12/10/24
W
Cyprus
0
Romania
3
Player to watch: Marcel Sabitzer
Austria will look for inspiration from Marcel Sabitzer, as they so often do, to provide the quality needed to overcome Romania. He comes into the qualifiers in great spirit having helped Borussia Dortmund qualify for the Champions League on the Bundesliga's final day.
At international level, Sabitzer has already earned no fewer than 87 senior caps for the Austrian national side, and brings a wealth of experience as well as quality. He also boasts 20 goals and 16 assists for his country, and will hope to open his 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying account against Romania on home soil.