Vienna, May 12, 2026
The Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) has compiled a 53-player preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup but has opted to keep the names confidential, according to a statement to the Austrian Press Agency (APA).
Squad Announcement and Secrecy
The ÖFB confirmed the selection of 53 players but declined to reveal any names, citing strategic reasons. "Der ÖFB nannte 53 Spieler, gibt die Namen aber nicht bekannt, wie er auf Anfrage der APA mitteilte," the association stated in response to APA's inquiry. This approach mirrors the tactics of other national teams, including Brazil, which has also kept its preliminary roster under wraps.
National team coach Carlo Ancelotti and ÖFB team manager Ralf Rangnick are set to finalize the squad by May 18. The decision to withhold the names has sparked speculation about potential inclusions, particularly regarding veteran players who may be nearing the end of their international careers.