Austria began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan in Group J on Wednesday, but the debutants made the European side work hard for all three points.
Romano Schmid opened the scoring in the first half before Jordan hit back through Ali Olwan after the break. Austria regained the lead through an own goal from Yazan Al Arab and wrapped up the win when Marko Arnautovic converted a late penalty.
Jordan started brightly and showed no signs of nerves in its first World Cup match. Ehsan Haddad fired just wide early on, while Mousa Al Tamari tested goalkeeper Alexander Schlager with a long range effort.
Austria broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. Xaver Schlager picked out Schmid outside the penalty area and the midfielder curled a superb shot into the top corner.
Jordan almost responded immediately. Olwan rose highest inside the box and headed against the crossbar as Austria survived a scare.
The underdogs continued to threaten and created several good moments before halftime, but Austria held on to its one goal advantage.
Jordan found its reward soon after the restart. A quick counter attack caught Austria exposed and Noor Al Rawabdeh slipped a pass into the path of Olwan. The forward kept his composure and placed his shot into the bottom corner.
The goal was a historic moment as Jordan became the latest nation to score at a FIFA World Cup.
Austria pushed forward in search of another goal and thought it had restored the lead through Arnautovic. However, VAR reviewed the move and ruled the goal out.
The pressure eventually paid off in the 76th minute. A dangerous Austrian attack forced defender Al Arab into an unfortunate own goal, giving Austria a 2-1 lead.
Jordan refused to give up and continued to search for another equaliser. The Asian side stayed in the contest and kept Austria under pressure during the closing stages.
The result was finally settled deep into stoppage time. VAR awarded Austria a penalty after a handball by Saleem Obaid inside the box. Arnautovic stepped up and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Austria moved level with Argentina on three points in Group J after the defending champion beat Algeria earlier in the day. Jordan left empty handed but earned praise for a brave display on its World Cup debut.
