Austria and Jordan meet on Wednesday, June 17 in Group J of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00am BST / 12:00am ET at Levi's Stadium in California. Both sides understand the value of a winning start in what is expected to be a competitive group.

How to watch Austria vs Jordan

Fans in the UK can stream the match for free on BBC iPlayer, while viewers in Ireland have access via RTÉ Player. Australian fans can follow every moment on SBS On Demand, also at no cost. In the US, the match is available on FS1, accessible through Fox One, YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling, Fubo, or DirecTV.

Further free broadcasts are available via CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, VRT in Belgium, SRF/RTS/RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey.

Austria: high hopes and a winning momentum

Ralf Rangnick's side arrive in North America in confident mood. Austria topped their qualifying group with six wins from eight matches, and warm-up victories over Ghana, South Korea, and Tunisia have only strengthened belief ahead of their first World Cup in 28 years.

Their Euro 2024 campaign served as further evidence of their quality — Austria finished top of a group containing France, the Netherlands, and Poland, playing an energetic, high-pressing brand of football that has become Rangnick's trademark. Marcel Sabitzer of Borussia Dortmund has thrived under him, while experienced campaigners David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic continue to be central figures.

Jordan: history makers with something to prove

Jordan arrive at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as first-time participants, having sealed their place with a commanding 3-0 victory over Oman in qualifying — finishing as runners-up to South Korea in their group. Whatever unfolds on the pitch in North America, they return home as pioneers.

Head coach Jamal Sellami has built a side that is well organised defensively and dangerous on the counter-attack. However, Jordan suffered a serious setback late in 2025 when leading scorer Yazan Al-Naimat — who netted nine goals during qualifying — was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

The responsibility of carrying Jordan's attacking threat now falls largely on Musa Al-Tamari, the Rennes winger who is the squad's sole representative in a major European league. Al-Tamari has scored 24 goals for his country and has drawn comparisons with Mohamed Salah, though Jordan's recent pre-tournament results — a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland and a 2-0 loss to Colombia — highlight the gap they face against stronger opposition.

Match verdict

Austria carry significantly more quality across the pitch and, with Rangnick demanding an assertive opening statement, they are expected to control proceedings. Jordan will defend with discipline and look to threaten on the break, but Austria's depth and organisation should prove the difference. FourFourTwo predicts a 2-0 Austria win.