Austria have secured their return to the FIFA World Cup stage after 26 years, clinching qualification for the 2026 finals with a tense 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Vienna, Austria..

Ralf Rangnick’s side needed a solitary goal last night, Wednesday 18 November, to finish top of Group H, but were forced to rally after Haris Tabakovic put the visitors ahead early on.

The hosts thought they had levelled before the interval, only for Konrad Laimer’s strike to be scrubbed off following an extended VAR check. Bosnia, chasing just their second World Cup appearance, defended deep after the break in the hope of keeping their qualification chances alive, but Austria’s pressure finally wore them down in the 77th minute.

Michael Gregoritsch reacted quickest when Marcel Sabitzer’s cross skipped off the post, thundering in his 23rd international goal to ease Austrian nerves and confirm their place at next year’s finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

It marks another significant step forward under Rangnick, who guided Austria to the last 16 at Euro 2024. Bosnia, meanwhile, must negotiate a pair of single-leg play-off ties in March if they are to join them on the sport’s biggest stage.

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