Austria stick with 25 after Baumgartner blow

Austria will head to the World Cup with a reduced squad after coach Ralf Rangnick chose not to summon a replacement for Christoph Baumgartner, who has been ruled out with a thigh injury. The RB Leipzig midfielder was sidelined shortly before Monday’s 1‑0 friendly win over Tunisia, dealing a significant setback to Austria’s preparations.

Rangnick described the news as “very bitter” for both the player and the team, acknowledging Baumgartner’s importance to the squad. Despite the loss, the Austrian Football Association confirmed that the coach will proceed with the remaining group as they depart for the United States on Thursday. Austria open their Group J campaign on June 16 against Jordan before facing Argentina and Algeria in a challenging schedule. Baumgartner’s absence removes a key creative presence, but Rangnick appears determined to maintain stability and continuity as Austria attempt to navigate one of the tournament’s toughest groups.