A. Schlager
Red Bull Salzburg · UEFA Nations League · Goalkeeper · #1 · Austria · 29 yrs
A. Schlager news
Spain 3-0 Austria: World Cup 2026 last 32 – live
Mikel Oyarzabal scored either side of Pedro Porro’s first international goal as Spain strolled into the last 161 min Lamine Yamal works Alexander Schlager inside the first minute with a low shot from 20 yards after a sharp Spain break.1 min And they’re off. Continue reading...
Is Lamine Yamal playing? Spain vs Austria confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup game
Spain face Austria looking to secure a convincing victory at the 2026 World Cup and advance to the Round of 16. Given the importance of the match, fans are closely monitoring Lamine Yamal's availability, as he has been a key asset in recent games. After securing an important victory against Uruguay, Spain secured their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup. They now face Austria today, arriving as clear favorites. Although Luis de la Fuente’s team have struggled to impose their dominant style, they have a star-studded squad. However, Ralf Rangnick’s team could surprise them with their ‘gegenpressing.’ Because of this, fans are closely monitoring Lamine Yamal‘s status. Lamine Yamal will start for Spain, as he has no apparent injuries or suspensions. Despite coming off a serious injury, he has managed to start in Spain’s last two matches. As the most game-changing player in the squad, head coach Luis de la Fuente will look to get the best out of him, shining in the goalscoring department against Austria. After a rather quiet group stage, he could arrive highly motivated. Coupled with Yamal, Luis de la Fuente will line up Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal, looking to build on the solid partnership. Moreover, Dani Olmo will also play as an attacking midfielder to break Austria’s defensive line. Looking to control the tempo, Pedri and Rodri will start together again, as they have formed a solid duo throughout the tournament. With them on the field, Spain will be aiming for a convincing victory ahead of the Round of 16. Austria arrive as underdogs for the clash against Spain. Ralf Rangnick’s team have emerged as a brilliant offensive side while maintaining their defensive solidity. Without relying on fast wingers, they prefer to attack on the counter by building up play. For this, Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer are essential. Nonetheless, they face a major challenge: Being clinical in front of goal, something that has proven difficult against stronger opponents. Austrian players celebrating a victory in the 2026 World Cup. Spain confirmed lineup vs Austria Having one of the best squads at the 2026 World Cup, Spain arrive as favorites to defeat Austria. Head coach Luis de la Fuente could make few changes, such as Dani Olmo in the attacking midfield role instead of Mikel Merino. With this being the first match of the knockout stage, Lamine Yamal hopes to show his best version, shining in the goalscoring department. In addition, Pedri will be key to controlling the tempo of the game. Considering this, Spain will lineup as follows: Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Alex Baena; Mikel Oyarzabal. Austria confirmed lineup vs Spain Despite not being one of the top contenders, Austria have managed to reach the knockout stage with their “gegenpressing.” Facing Spain, head coach Ralf Rangnick has decided to keep the same approach in his lineup, with Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer as the central leaders. However, the challenge will be the goalscoring department, so Michael Gregoritsch needs to be in top goalscoring form. With this in mind, Austria will play as follows: Alexander Schlager; David Alaba, Kevin Danso, Stefan Posch; Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Seiwald, Marcel Sabitzer, Romano Schmid, Konrad Laimer, Paul Wanner; Michael Gregoritsch.
Video: Lionel Messi misses penalty against Austria at the 2026 World Cup
Having the chance to open the score against Austria in the 2026 World Cup, Argentina star Lionel Messi failed a penalty kick. Argentina and Austria squared off on Monday, June 22, for a high-stakes Matchday 2 Group L clash at the 2026 World Cup. Given a golden opportunity to open the scoreline early for the Albiceleste, superstar Lionel Messi shocked fans by missing a crucial penalty kick. The drama began in the fifth minute when striker Lautaro Martinez was brought down inside the penalty box by Austria defender Stefan Posch, forcing the referee to point to the spot. Following a lengthy delay, Messi stepped up to take the shot in the eighth minute, completely pulling his attempt far wide of the right post while goalkeeper Alexander Schlager diving the right way. OH MY 😳Messi shoots his penalty wide pic.twitter.com/GixyF2iwhy— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 22, 2026 The rare blunder recalled Messi’s previous high-profile spot-kick miss during Argentina’s triumphant championship run at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. During that tournament’s final group stage match, the legendary number 10 had a similar 39th-minute chance to open the scoring against Poland, only to see his powerful effort parried away by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. Prior to this match, every single penalty kick awarded in North America had been successfully converted. Messi’s unexpected misfire on Monday afternoon marks the first failed penalty attempt of this year’s tournament. Messi sets an unwanted record from the penalty spot Back in 2022, Messi proved to be clinical from twelve yards out, converting four of his seven total tournament goals from the penalty spot. However, Monday’s high-profile blunder cements an unwanted milestone for the forward in what has historically been one of his primary specialties. With three career penalty failures on his resume, Messi now stands alone as the player with the most missed penalties in World Cup history. By adding Monday’s miss to his previous failed attempts against Iceland in 2018 and Poland in 2022, he surpasses Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan, who missed two spot-kicks during his World Cup career.
Is Lionel Messi playing? Argentina vs Austria confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup Group J game
After securing a crucial victory in their 2026 World Cup debut, Argentina face Austria, aiming for another win to move to the top of Group J. Following his emphatic hat-trick, all eyes are on Lionel Messi, who could once again prove to be the difference-maker. Argentina have lived up to their status as one of the favorites at the 2026 World Cup, defeating Algeria in their debut. Looking to maintain their winning momentum, they now face Austria in a battle for the top spot in Group J. Far from being a straightforward contest, Ralf Rangnick’s team have already shown their competitive edge. As a result, fans are eagerly awaiting Lionel Messi‘s presence, who is coming off a crucial hat-trick. Lionel Messi is will start for Argentina, as he remains in peak physical condition and is not facing any suspension. At 38 years old, he will be aiming to break Miroslav Klose’s record and become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, needing just one goal to achieve the feat. In addition, he could be key to enhancing the collective play by drawing defenders and providing crucial passes to the forwards in search of decisive goals. Coupled with Messi, head coach Lionel Scaloni will once again rely on Lautaro Martinez, who has recently stood out for his collective impact. In addition, the presence of Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield could prove decisive, as they have the ability to bypass the opponent’s high press. Meanwhile, Thiago Almada could play an important role on the left side of midfield, looking to find defensive gaps in the rival. While Austria may not enjoy widespread recognition among fans, they have managed to surprise everyone with their impact. Led by head coach Ralf Rangnick, they rely on a ‘gegenpressing’ style, seeking to be protagonists on the counterattack and suffocating the opponent. For this, Romano Schmid, Marcel Sabitzer, and Konrad Laimer emerge as key players, as their tactical intelligence makes them decisive in taking advantage of the opponents’ spaces. Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrating. Argentina confirmed lineup vs Austria Looking to secure their second victory at the 2026 World Cup, Argentina would maintain their attacking approach against Austria. To do so, head coach Lionel Scaloni will continue to rely on Lionel Messi, aiming for him to be the decisive piece of a brilliant team. For this, the impact of Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo De Paul in midfield is key. Complementing Messi, Lautaro Martinez will complete the attacking line. Considering this, Argentina will lineup as follows: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez. Austria confirmed lineup vs Argentina Austria could look to surprise Argentina, relying on high pressing and efficient counterattacking transitions. In addition, head coach Ralf Rangnick has implemented a precise possession-based counterattacking style, which is quite effective. To organize the entire attacking structure, Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer are key. Furthermore, a back three of David Alaba, Kevin Danso, and Stefan Posch is crucial to stop Lionel Messi and his attack. With this in mind, Austria will play as follows: Alexander Schlager; Stefan Posch, Kevin Danso, David Alaba; Romano Schmid, Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager, Konrad Laimer; Marcel Sabitzer, Paul Wanner; Michael Gregoritsch.
Lionel Messi leads FIFA Power Rankings after hat trick in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup debut
Lionel Messi kicked off his 2026 World Cup campaign with a spectacular hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, earning top honors as Matchday 1 officially wrapped up. Argentina launched their 2026 World Cup journey with a historic masterclass from Lionel Messi. The captain put on a clinic in Kansas City, netting a brilliant hat trick in a commanding 3-0 shutout against Algeria to open Group J play. The performance seamlessly ignited La Albiceleste’s campaign as they begin their official world title defense. Messi’s historic night in North America also saw him draw level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the joint all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals—just one of several feats the captain reached after leading Argentina to the win. That dominant tournament opener also catapulted Messi to the top of the charts as the first round of games concluded. FIFA unveiled its official tournament Power Rankings—a purely data-driven performance indexing model—with the Argentine icon leading the way in the headline metric. For this edition of the tournament, FIFA has categorized player data into three distinct performance pillars: Attacking, Creativity, and Defending. Messi comfortably dictates the pace in the Attacking category, finishing Matchday 1 with a tournament-high 8.13 rating out of a maximum score of 10. The race has begun. 🏁The first FIFA Power Rankings are in after Matchday 1. Who will keep the top spot? #FIFAWorldCup @aramco pic.twitter.com/haK3SVjchM— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 18, 2026 Trailing just behind the Argentine star is New Zealand forward Elijah Just, who locked down second place with a 7.74 rating after bagging a brace against Iran. Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo rounds out the top three attacking performers with a strong 7.47 score. Who leads the other two categories? While Messi reigns supreme in the attacking department, he lands in 11th place on the Creativity chart with a 7.15 rating. That category is currently commanded by Iran’s right-back Ramin Rezaeian, who set the playmaking standard with an impressive 8.02 score. On the Defending side of the ball, Canada’s Derek Cornelius stands alone at the top of the elite performers list with a 7.31 rating, following his physically imposing defensive display in a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Austria’s midfield engine Xaver Schlager sits in second place with a 7.11 score after breaking up play cleanly in their 3-1 win over Jordan. Cape Verde’s Willy Semedo rounds out the defensive podium, earning a 6.91 rating after anchoring a historic clean sheet in a shocking 0-0 draw against Spain.
How tall is Florian Wiegele? Inside the historic height of Austria’s record-breaking goalkeeper
Florian Wiegele made the final list for this Austrian team, which broke a record. Florian Wiegele stands at an exceptional 6-foot-9, or 2.06 meters tall, making him the tallest goalkeeper in Austria‘s history. Born on March 21, 2001, the 25-year-old giant became the tallest player in World Cup history. Wiegele began his club career in the youth ranks of Sturm Graz before moving through lower-tier Austrian sides. His breakthrough performances in Austria caught international attention, leading to a transfer to Czech club Viktoria Plzeň. Wiegele’s rise caught the eye of Ralf Rangnick, who called him up to represent Austria. While Alexander Schlager and Patrick Pentz may be ahead of him, Wiegele earned a place in the squad. The jump to the international stage with Austria The goalkeeper’s unique physical profile earned him a call-up to the Austria national team. He has made one international appearance for his country in the buildup to major tournament action. That match came in a friendly against Ghana. Rangnick called up the tall goalkeeper for the final list (Christian Hofer/Getty Images) Florian Wiegele began his development in the youth system of SK Sturm Graz before gaining senior match experience with lower-tier Austrian clubs SV Lebring and FC Gleisdorf 09. Wiegele broke into the professional ranks with DSV Leoben in the Austrian Second League. His progress earned him a transfer to Czech First League side FC Viktoria Plzeň, including a successful six-month loan spell back in Austria, where he served as the starting goalkeeper for Grazer AK. Austria’s group Austria are competing in Group J at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They play their opening match against Jordan on June 16, followed by a game against Argentina on June 22, and conclude the group stage against Algeria on June 27.