Austria's national football team is managing injury concerns for captain David Alaba and forward Christoph Baumgartner following their 1-0 victory over Tunisia on June 1, 2026, in their final World Cup warm-up match [1, 2].
Alaba was substituted at halftime due to slight tightness in his leg, with the team taking a cautious approach to his condition [1, 2]. Baumgartner withdrew from the starting lineup after feeling a sharp groin pain during warm-up prior to the match [1, 2].
Coach Ralf Rangnick said the severity of Baumgartner's injury would only be known by Tuesday, expressing hope it was not serious and likely a hip flexor strain [1, 2]. Midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, who spoke with Baumgartner post-match, said Baumgartner viewed the withdrawal as precautionary and not too serious [1, 2].
Despite playing much of the match with 10 men due to an early red card, Austria held on for the win against Tunisia [1, 2]. This match was Austria’s only preparatory game before the 2026 World Cup, which starts next week [1, 2].
Austria is scheduled to open their World Cup Group J campaign against Jordan on June 16, 2026 [1, 2]. The team and medical staff will closely monitor Alaba and Baumgartner’s recovery to determine their fitness for the tournament opener.