World Cup 2026: Austria beats Jordan 3-1 after handball and own goal drama

Austria crowned its return to the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Jordan. An exciting group match in Group J took place in Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, full of VAR moments and rising emotions.

The team of the returning World Cup participant - their first appearance since 1998 - took an early lead. Romano Schmid scored the 1-0 from outside the penalty area: Austria's first World Cup goal in 28 years. Shortly after the break, Jordan - making its World Cup debut - made history with the first goal ever at the tournament. Ali Olwan completed a quick break well and put the 1-1 on the board.

The real drama followed later in the second half. Marko Arnautovic seemed to make it 2-1 after a scrimmage at a corner, but after VAR intervention the goal was canceled due to hands by Stefan Posch in the preceding chaos. A few minutes later, disaster struck for Jordan: at the next corner, Yazan Al-Arab unluckily headed the ball into his own goal, giving Austria the lead again.


Tempers flared and players had to be separated; Marcel Sabitzer received a yellow card in that phase. The final decision was made in injury time. After another handball situation, the referee pointed to the spot after a VAR consultation. Arnautovic stayed cool and took advantage of the opportunity: 3-1.

Although Austria had the most ball possession and created the bigger chances with aggressive pressing, that play also gave Jordan space. The debutant even recorded more shots and attempts on goal, and had the prospect of a point.

In Group J, Austria takes a step towards the knockout phase with this victory, where Argentina and Algeria are also in the group. Next Monday Austria awaits a showdown with Argentina in Arlington (Texas). Jordan will play again that same day in Santa Clara, against Algeria. Earlier in the day, Argentina opened the tournament with a win thanks to a hat-trick from Lionel Messi.

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