Autriche – Kosovo

Recent form · Written before the match

The available data are heterogeneous and do not constitute a homogeneous series of the last five matches. Austria lost 0-3 to Spain on 2 July 2026, drew 3-3 with Algeria on 28 June and lost 0-2 to Argentina on 22 June, after victories against Jordan and Tunisia.

Kosovo beat Andorra 3-0 on 7 June, lost 1-2 to Czechia on 31 May, lost 0-1 to Türkiye on 31 March, beat Slovakia 4-3 on 26 March and drew 1-1 with Switzerland on 18 November 2025. No comparable xG, shot volume or pressing indicator is available.

Both teams will have only three days of rest after their matches on 24 September, with rotation possible but unconfirmed.

Head-to-head · Written before the match

The UEFA dossier indicates that there has been no previous meeting between Austria and Kosovo. The return match is scheduled for 4 October 2026 in Pristina, but this is a future fixture and not a previous encounter.

The head-to-head record therefore provides no documented prédictive signal.

Absences and returns

Konrad Laimer is ruled out for the first two matches due to a slight injury to his left adductors, and Sascha Horvath was called up on 20 September 2026. David Alaba was not called up, Marcel Sabitzer is absent from the squad and Marko Arnautović has ended his international career.

For Kosovo, Amir Rrahmani and Florent Hadërgjonaj are reported absent for non-sporting reasons or due to withdrawal; Elvis Rexhbeçaj, Florent Muslija and Kreshnik Hajrizi are reported injured. Any developments after the call-ups and suspensions are information not available.

Context & news

Austria’s favorable scenario relies on receiving the ball and the counter-pressing presented as central by Rangnick: high turnovers could disrupt Kosovo’s initial build-up, particularly with a défense deprived of several key players. The opposing scenario relies on direct attacks toward Vedat Muriqi or Fisnik Asllani, second balls, and transitions behind the Austrian press.

It could be reinforced by Laimer’s absence, which removes a midfield cover option, and by uncertainty surrounding the goalkeepers and starters. Group B3 comprises Israel, Austria, the Republic of Ireland, and Kosovo; no precise standings, first-leg score, or qualification stakes are available before this second matchday.