New Delhi: Austria made a winning start to its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, defeating debutants Jordan 3-1 in a closely contested Group J encounter at the Bay Area Stadium in San Francisco on Wednesday.
Competing in its first World Cup match in 28 years, Austria overcame a spirited challenge from Jordan to secure all three points. Goals from Romano Schmid and substitute Marko Arnautović, along with an own goal from Jordan defender Yazan Al-Arab, sealed the victory for the European side.
Austria took the lead in the 20th minute when Romano Schmid unleashed a powerful strike from just outside the penalty area, giving Jordan goalkeeper Yazid Abdullah little chance and putting his team ahead 1-0.
Jordan, making its historic first appearance at a FIFA World Cup, responded with determination and managed to level the score in the second half through Ali Olwan, who finished clinically to bring the Asian side back into the contest.
The match remained evenly poised until the closing stages. Austria regained the advantage in the 76th minute when Jordan defender Yazan Al-Arab inadvertently headed the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a dangerous delivery, handing Austria a 2-1 lead.
Earlier, Marko Arnautović thought he had scored after driving into the penalty area and firing a powerful shot. However, a review determined that the ball had deflected off teammate Stefan Posch’s hand before crossing the line, ruling out the goal.
Austria eventually put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time. In the 12th minute of added time, Arnautović converted a penalty kick with confidence, sealing a 3-1 victory and capping an impressive substitute appearance.
The result gives Austria an ideal start in Group J and boosts its hopes of progressing to the knockout stages. For Jordan, despite the defeat, the team’s spirited display in its first-ever World Cup match provided plenty of encouragement for the challenges ahead.
With three points safely secured, Austria will look to build momentum in its upcoming fixtures, while Jordan will aim to bounce back and keep its qualification hopes alive in the tournament.
