Overhaul in ÖFB team brings four debutants and two Schalke returnees

On Monday, Ralf Rangnick presented the first Austrian national team after the World Cup and thereby initiated a comprehensive overhaul: four debutants and two Schalke returnees earned a place, while several regulars are missing.

Overhaul in the squad after the World Cup

Rangnick, who presented the squad on Monday, dropped another six players around captain David Alaba after the withdrawal of Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer. The new Austrian national team squad thus sends a clear signal for a fresh start after the World Cup.

Four young talents – Felix Bacher, Lukas Jungwirth, Vasilije Markovic and Christian Zawieschitzky – receive their debut, while the Schalke duo Junior Adamu and Maximilian Wöber return. The nomination of the 18‑year‑old Markovic, who only made his Bundesliga debut in February, is intended to prevent the U17 vice‑world champion from being poached by a Balkan nation.

In Nations League B, Austria will face Israel, Ireland and Kosovo in four matches. These contests determine the team's further position in the league and are crucial for qualification.

Captain Alaba remains in the squad, but Florian Grillitsch is absent due to adductor complaints. Grillitsch's market value is listed at €2.50 million, a figure that is regularly discussed in the current market‑value analysis.

New faces and returnees

Vasilije Markovic, central midfielder at FK Austria Wien, has so far played five matches in the 2026/27 season without scoring a goal or providing an assist. His statistics underline the coach's confidence in the young talent.

Returning to the Austrian national team after a longer absence are, besides the Schalke returnees, also Marco Grüll (Werder), Christoph Lang (LASK) and Nikolas Veratschnig (Salzburg). These returnees add experienced players to the squad.

The 27‑man squad includes 18 players who were already involved at the World Cup, thus forming a mix of experience and fresh blood. The selection reflects the current Bundesliga and league situation and is being closely monitored by TM.

The announcement appeared in the sections Latest Transfers, Rumor Mill and Club Forums. For player agents, community and gaming fans there are now recommendations, premium‑service videos and market‑value analyses. All forums, news, sports‑betting offers and support companies provide additional insights, and you can find the current market‑value analysis as well as further rumors there.