• By Samannay Sen
  • Wed, 17 Jun 2026 02:12 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Austria marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a historic victory as Das Team defeated 2026 FIFA World Cup debutants Jordan 3-1 in an entertaining Group J clash at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

For Austria, this was more than just three points. The European side had not celebrated a FIFA World Cup victory since defeating the United States at Italia 1990. Ending a 36-year wait, they celebrated success on football's biggest stage. Jordan, meanwhile, made sure the occasion would not be straightforward, pushing their experienced opponents all the way in a fiercely contested clash.

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The Austria vs Jordan Match Result saw Das Team join Argentina at the top of the Group J standings and enlighten their World Cup campaign after a 28-year absence from the tournament.

Jordan’s Fearless Start

Despite their status as FIFA World Cup debutants, Jordan showed no signs of nerves in the opening stages.

Captain Ehsan Haddad nearly handed The Nashama a dream start inside two minutes, only to fire narrowly into the side netting. The warning signs continued for Austria when Odeh Fakhouri unleashed a powerful effort from distance that forced goalkeeper Alexander Schlager into an important save.

Jordan's positive approach frustrated Austria for long spells, but Ralf Rangnick's side needed only one moment of quality to break the deadlock.

In the 20th minute, Romano Schmid collected possession on the edge of the area and produced a stunning strike that flew beyond Yazeed Abulaila and into the back of the net. The goal settled Austrian nerves and handed Das Team a crucial advantage heading into the break.

Ali Olwan Creates History

Jordan appeared charged up from the break, determined to make history and found their reward just five minutes into the second half.

Noor Al Rawabdeh released Ali Olwan inside the Austrian half and the forward did the rest. Driving purposefully towards the goal, Olwan skipped past defenders before bending a superb finish into the corner.

The strike sparked wild celebrations among Jordan's supporters as Olwan became the first Jordanian player ever to score at a FIFA World Cup. The equaliser shifted momentum instantly towards the debutants and briefly raised hopes for an upset.

Austria Bounce Back

Austria thought they had restored their lead in the 67th minute when veteran striker Marko Arnautovic bundled home from close range after a corner. However, celebrations were cut short following a VAR review, with Stefan Posch adjudged to have handled the ball in the build-up. Although the disappointment lasted only a few minutes.

Jordan defender Yazan Al Arab, in the 76th minute, headed the ball into his own net under high pressure, handing Austria a precious lead. Jordan continued to fight until the final whistle, but their hopes were finally destroyed deep into stoppage time when Austrian legend Arnautovic stepped up and calmly converted a penalty in the 102nd minute.

The goal sealed Austria's first FIFA World Cup victory in 36 years and completed a memorable night for Rangnick's side.
Interestingly, Austria maintained another remarkable record. All 30 of their FIFA World Cup matches have now produced at least one goal, with none ever ending in a goalless draw.

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Austria vs Jordan Result: Austria 3-1 Jordan

Goalscorers

Austria – Schmid (20), Al Arab (76 OG), Arnautovic (90+12 pen)

Jordan – Ali Olwan (50)

Player of the Match: Ali Olwan (Jordan)

The result leaves Austria level on points with Argentina at the top of Group J after the opening round of fixtures. More importantly, it ends a 36-year wait for a FIFA World Cup victory and gives Das Team the perfect platform ahead of a mouthwatering clash against Lionel Messi's Argentina on June 22.


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