Austria vs Ghana: A Pre-World Cup Friendly Match

By Rohan Mehta / 27.03.2026

“Ghana is a strong team in terms of play, but they also have a certain physicality, athleticism, and dynamism,” said Austria’s head coach Ralf Rangnick ahead of the upcoming friendly match against Ghana.

The match, scheduled for March 27, 2026, at 17:00 local time at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, serves as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the World Cup.

Rangnick emphasized the importance of the match, stating, “We approach every match with the goal of winning. That’s why we play these games.” This friendly is particularly significant for Austria, which has not appeared in the FIFA World Cup for 28 years.

Ghana, led by head coach Otto Addo, is looking to build momentum as they prepare for their own international challenges. The team’s captain, Jordan Ayew, will be pivotal in guiding the squad during this encounter.

Austria’s captain, David Alaba, is expected to lead by example on the pitch, bringing his experience to the forefront as they face off against the African side.

The match will also feature Ghana’s starting goalkeeper, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who will be tested against Austria’s attacking options, including Marko Arnautović.

Rangnick noted, “It’s a perfect test to see how we fare against non-European opponents. We’re looking forward to playing against an African team,” highlighting the strategic value of this friendly.

Austria is drawn in Group J at the World Cup alongside Argentina, Algeria, and Jordan, making this match a vital opportunity to assess their readiness.

As both teams gear up for this encounter, the outcome could provide insights into their respective strategies and performances leading into the World Cup.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional player line-ups or tactical changes as the match date approaches.