What happened?

Austria's national side had to substitute David Alaba at halftime on June 3 2026 in Vienna (Ernst Happel Stadium) because of a slight leg tightness. Christoph Baumgartner felt a sharp groin pain just before the match when he struck a shot, prompting his withdrawal. The game ended 1‑0 over Tunisia, the only warm‑up before the World Cup opener on June 16.

How does coach Rangnick view the situation?

Rangnick said Alaba's change was purely precautionary: “He felt a slight tightness, we didn’t want to risk anything.” Regarding the forward, he added: “We’ll have to wait until Tuesday to see the severity. Hopefully it’s not serious, more likely a hip‑flexor strain.” The coach remains confident both players will be fit in time.

What do teammates say?

Marcel Sabitzer, the match scorer, reported that Baumgartner considered his exit a precaution. “He thinks it’s not serious. Baumgartner is vital for our game, we still have some time,” Sabitzer said. Austria played most of the match with ten men after an early red card, yet the result held.

What does this mean for the World Cup prep?

The injury worries arrive just before the Group J opener against Jordan on June 16. If Alaba or Baumgartner miss more time, Rangnick will need to rely on alternatives, potentially shifting tactics. For now, the squad stays optimistic that both key players will be ready for the tournament.

What’s next?

After the friendly, the official World Cup match against Jordan follows. The coaching staff will review medical reports on Tuesday and may tweak the lineup. Fans can look forward to seeing whether Alaba and Baumgartner bring their usual quality when the competition kicks off.