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Live Preview: Austria vs Jordan Kick‑off at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Kick‑off for the Group J encounter is scheduled for 9 pm local time (12 am EDT / 5 am BST) on 17 June 2026. The match pits the seasoned Austria side against debutants Jordan in the first World Cup held with a 48‑team format. Team Backgrounds and Qualification Paths Austria – Returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, they topped their UEFA qualifying group ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina, avoiding playoffs. Ranked #24, veteran striker Marko Arnautović contributed eight goals, while midfielder Marcel Sabitzer remains the creative hub. Jordan – Making their inaugural World Cup appearance, the #65-ranked side qualified automatically by finishing second behind South Korea in the Asian qualifiers. Their recent surge includes a surprise Asian Cup semi‑final win over South Korea in 2023. Numbers Behind the Match Austria’s qualification was secured with a perfect record in their group, while Jordan’s defensive record in the final qualifying round featured only two goals conceded. The contrast in FIFA rankings (#24 vs #65) underscores the underdog narrative for Jordan. Why the Expanded 48‑Team Format Matters The 2026 tournament’s expansion has opened the door for nations like Jordan to experience football’s biggest stage, diversifying the competition and offering new market opportunities. Austria’s return after a 28‑year hiatus also illustrates how the broader field revives historic footballing nations. What to Expect on the Day Austria are likely to dominate possession with Ralf Rangnick’s high‑pressing style, while Jordan will rely on a compact defence and counter‑attacking play. Given the ranking gap, Austria enter as favourites, but Jordan’s debut enthusiasm could produce a tightly contested match, potentially influencing the group’s knockout‑round qualifiers.