Sabitzer to pause with the Austrian national team until year‑end

On the training ground of Borussia Dortmund, the 32‑year‑old midfielder Marcel Sabitzer looks forward after an intense Bundesliga match – he has decided to take an ÖFB break from the Austrian national football team until the end of the year, after consulting with head coach Ralf Rangnick and making the decision.

The Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) announced on Sunday morning that Marcel Sabitzer, after consulting with head coach Ralf Rangnick, will not be available for the upcoming Nations League matches until the end of the year. This means the Austrian national football team loses a long‑standing fixture in midfield.

The 32‑year‑old midfielder is in his final contract year at Borussia Dortmund and emphasizes that he wants to play at the highest level for several more years. He must use his energy carefully, because the past two years have been especially intense.

Statistics and Significance

The player has so far earned 102 caps and scored 27 goals. With one more appearance he would reach third place on the ÖFB all‑time list, behind Marko Arnautovic (137) and David Alaba (117).

Rangnick said it was a pity to lose Sabitzer in the Nations League, but a decision will be made in time before the qualifying matches for Euro 2028 on whether he can return. Sabitzer himself emphasized that he wants to discuss his further role in the national team with Rangnick at the beginning of next year.

Outlook and Schedule

The group stage of the Nations League takes place this autumn, while possible play‑offs and further matches are scheduled for March. The draw for the qualifying groups for Euro 2028 will take place on 6 December in Belfast, and a possible start of the qualification could begin as early as March.

Rangnick will announce the squad for the Nations League kickoff on Monday at 14.00 Uhr in Vienna. ÖFB chairman Josef Pröll will also inform about the further procedure after the departure of sporting director Peter Schöttel.

For the start in League B the Austrian team initially expects two home matches: On 24 September Austria will host Israel at 20.45 Uhr in Linz, followed by a clash with Kosovo on 27 September at the Ernst‑Happel‑Stadium in Vienna. Afterwards they travel to Dublin for the away game against Ireland on 1 October and on 4 October to Pristina for the return match against Kosovo – all games will be broadcast live on ORF 1.

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