If they want to make it to the knockout stage, Austria can't make a mistake in the opening game.

One national team is returning to the global event after 28 years, while the other is making its debut on the biggest stage - Austria and Jordan will play their first round Group J match at the World Cup in California early Wednesday morning (06:00).

Riding on the wings of a good performance at the European Championship two years ago, where they took ninth place, and good qualifications, Austria arrives at the World Cup. The desire is to make a breakthrough, and the road to the knockout stage leads through Jordan, Algeria and Argentina. It is clear that the match against Jordan is a great chance for the selection, led by Ralf Rangnick, to score three points in the premiere.

Austria will be weakened. Christoph Baumgartner was injured ahead of the friendly against Tunisia, and will miss the entire World Cup. This should mean that Paul Warner and Karni Chukwuemeka, who have chosen to play for Austria despite playing for Germany and England at youth levels, will get more chances.

- I have to focus on rehabilitation. I will try to recover as soon as possible, as well as contribute to the team as much as I can - said Baumgartner, who will remain with the team at the championship and provide support, as David Alaba did two years ago at the European Championship, when he did not play due to tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

On the other hand, Jordan, after winning the 2023 Asian Cup and the Arab Cup two years later, reached its historic first World Cup. The team coached by Moroccan Jamal Salami is also weakened - striker Yazan Al-Naimat is missing from the tournament due to a knee injury.

- We are proud of our presence at the World Cup. Participating in this tournament is an opportunity to send a positive image of Jordan to the international public - said coach Selami.

Probable lineups - Austria (4-2-3-1): Schlager - Pos, Linhart, Mvene, Alaba - Lajmer, Seiwald - Schmid, Chukwuemeka, Sabicer - Gregorič.

Jordan (5-3-2): Abdulaila - Hadad, Nasib, Al-Rosan, Al-Trab, Taha - Al-Rašdan, Al-Ravadbeh, Al-Mardi - Al-Tamari, Olvan.