Austrian FA Seeks to Extend Ralf Rangnick's Contract Through Euro 2028

Ralf Rangnick's Contract Situation

According to Главком: The Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) intends to extend the contract of national team manager Ralf Rangnick until the conclusion of the 2028 European Championship. His current deal is set to expire in July 2024. The 67-year-old manager would receive an annual salary of 2 million euros under the proposed new contract.

Ralf Rangnick's Record and Experience

Rangnick took charge of the Austrian national team in the summer of 2022. Under his leadership, the team has achieved significant success, including:

• Reaching the Round of 16 at the 2024 European Championship;
• Securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, the team narrowly missed promotion back to League A of the UEFA Nations League, drawing 1-1 and losing 0-2 to Serbia in the decisive playoff.

Ralf Rangnick possesses extensive coaching experience, having begun his managerial career in the early 1980s. He has managed a variety of clubs, including:

• VfB Stuttgart;
• Hannover 96;
• Schalke 04;
• RB Leipzig;
• Manchester United in England.

His work at TSG Hoffenheim is particularly notable; between 2006 and 2011, he guided the club from the Regionalliga Süd (third tier) to the Bundesliga. Earlier, he had won the Regionalliga Süd title with SSV Ulm in the 1997/98 season.

Austria's World Cup 2026 Campaign

At the 2026 World Cup, Austria will compete on the global stage for the first time since 1998. The team has been drawn in Group J, where its opponents will be:

• Argentina;
• Jordan;
• Algeria.

Austria's first match of the tournament will be against Jordan on June 16 in Santa Clara, California, USA.

The proposed contract extension reflects the Austrian FA's confidence in Rangnick's coaching abilities and his vision for the team's development. His successful tenure has revitalized Austrian football, making their return to the World Cup a major national event. The team's international achievements under his guidance could form a foundation for further growth and future success. Participation in the 2026 World Cup marks a crucial chapter in the team's history, likely to boost domestic interest in the sport and inspire a new generation of players.