The Austria Jordan World Cup 2026 Group J clash in San Francisco saw the Europeans need a late own goal and stoppage-time penalty to see off a fearless debutant side. Austria won their first World Cup game in 36 years with a 3-1 victory over tournament debutants Jordan.
Schmid’s Stunner, Olwan’s Historic Leveller, Arnautovic’s Late Heroics
Romano Schmid bent in a wonderful 21st-minute opener Austria’s only first-half shot on target. Schmid capped off an impressive buildup, hitting a perfectly struck right-foot shot from the edge of the area into the top corner after a pass from Xaver Schlager. Jordan responded almost immediately to the setback — Ali Olwan scored Jordan’s first-ever World Cup goal, assisted by Nabil Alrawabdeh, leveling the score early in the second half.
Half-time substitute Marko Arnautovic made an excellent impact, forcing an own goal that restored Austria’s lead before striking the decisive penalty. Austria went back in front through a 76th-minute Yazan Al Arab own goal as the ball flicked off his back into the net at a corner. Jordan failed to trouble Austria further, who made the win safe through Arnautovic’s penalty in the 12th minute of stoppage time after VAR spotted a handball by Saleem Obaid.
Jordan had been on a five-game winless run and were attempting to become the first debutant to win their opening World Cup match since Senegal’s victory over France in 2002. They came agonisingly close — they matched Austria’s shot total (11) and shots on target (4) throughout the match.
2026 FIFA World Cup Group J Preview: Argentina, Austria, Jordan, Algeria →
Next Up: Austria Face Messi, Jordan Meet Algeria
Jordan will return to Santa Clara for their second match against Algeria, while Austria will face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the Dallas area on the same day.
Full match report available at FIFA.com.
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