Austrian midfielder Christoph Baumgartner will miss the World Cup after suffering a thigh muscle injury during a pre-match warm-up, the country’s football association said on Tuesday, leaving team officials looking for a replacement.
The 26-year-old was injured during preparation for Austria’s friendly against Tunisia on Monday, with an MRI test confirming he cannot take part in the tournament.
Baumgartner has been in good form for RB Leipzig this season, scoring 17 goals and picking up nine assists.
“This is of course very bitter news for Christoph and for us as a team,” coach Ralf Rangnick said in a statement.
«He is an important player and a central personality within our team. Now our full support goes to his recovery.»
READ | Austria squad for FIFA World Cup 2026: Arnautovic, Sabitzer IN
However, Austria received a boost when captain David Alaba was cleared to travel after the 33-year-old was cleared of a muscle injury after being substituted at half-time in the 1-0 win.
The team travels on June 4. The first group match is against Jordan on June 16, followed by matches against defending champions Argentina and Algeria.
Published on June 2, 2026
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/ava-costa-8-060126-de98222206c54d85affae15d35248b48.jpg?w=238&resize=238,178&ssl=1 "Una gimnasta de 14 años ve cómo sus sueños olímpicos terminan cuando un accidente de una fracción de segundo le provoca una lesión en la médula espinal (Exclusivo)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/ava-costa-8-060126-de98222206c54d85affae15d35248b48.jpg?w=100&resize=100,75&ssl=1 "Una gimnasta de 14 años ve cómo sus sueños olímpicos terminan cuando un accidente de una fracción de segundo le provoca una lesión en la médula espinal (Exclusivo)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/patrick-mahomes-taylor-swift-020425-2-b2b6a52d1bc14342b34ed840d74a7405.jpg?w=100&resize=100,75&ssl=1 "Patrick Mahomes muestra un dulce apoyo a Taylor Swift después de anunciar su nueva canción original «Toy Story 5»")
