Austria and Israel Face Off in Nations League Opener

Austria and Israel kick off their UEFA Nations League B campaigns on September 24, 2026, at 3:45 PM (Brasília time). The match marks the debut of both national teams in the competition and has generated significant interest among fans.

Team Motivations

Austria arrives boosted by their participation in the 2026 World Cup, where they advanced to the round of 16. Coach Ralf Rangnick renewed his contract and, for the Nations League, called up seven players without international experience, signaling a squad renewal. The immediate goal is promotion to League A.

Israel, led by Ran Ben Shimon, seeks rehabilitation after relegation in the previous Nations League edition and their absence from the World Cup playoffs. The team has one win and one draw in their recent matches, aiming to remain in League B.

Favoritism and Market Odds

The betting market positions Austria as the favorite at home. Odds for an Austrian victory range from 1.44 to 1.46, while a draw is quoted between 4.60 and 4.80, and an Israeli victory at 6.40. For total goals, over 2.5 pays between 1.58 and 1.62, and under 2.5 is at 2.20.

Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record clearly favors Austria. The Austrians won their last two home matches against Israel in the Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Israel has never secured three points playing away against Austria in these official competitions.

Absences and Squad News

Austria has a long list of absences: Marko Arnautović is retired from the national team, Marcel Sabitzer is resting, David Alaba is clubless, Stefan Lainer has an adductor injury, and Martin Baumgartner, Christoph Grillitsch, and Marko Florucz are injured or suspended. To compensate, Rangnick has included seven uncapped newcomers.

Israel has no reported absences so far.

Match Expectations

With Austria playing at home and boasting a favorable track record, the expectation is that the hosts will seek to control the game, using the movement of Christoph Lang and Junior Adamu to create imbalance. Israel will rely on Oscar Gloukh's creativity in attacking midfield and the discipline of their defensive midfielders to contain Austria's pace.

The outcome of this clash will define the start of both teams' journeys in League B, directly influencing Austria's promotion chances and Israel's fight for permanence.

With information from NETVASCO, Olhar Digital.