Austria gear up for their first FIFA World Cup since 1998. After years of disappointment, Das Team sealed their place in the competition following a solid run in the qualifiers.
With six wins and a draw from eight games, Ralf Rangnick's side finished atop Group H with 19 points to qualify directly as Austria were through to the tournament finals after 28 years.
Since then, they have been involved in three friendly games and won all of them to build momentum as the 24th-ranked team head to United States with a lot of expectations.
Drawn against world champions Argentina, AFCON giants Algeria and debutants Jordan, Austria will be served a baptism of fire on their World Cup return.
Post their qualifying phase though, Rangnick has added a new player to their squad in Carney Chukwuemeka, who switched allegiance from England to Austria earlier this year.
Born in Vienna, the Borussia Dortmund star was eligible to play for England after representing them at various youth levels as well as for Nigeria through his parents.
But with the Green Falcons failing to qualify and the Three Lions squad being competitive, Chukwuemeka chose to represent Austria and is now a part of their 26-man World Cup squad.
Chukwuemeka's 2025-26, a review
It was a breakout season for Carney Chukwuemeka, whose loan spell from Chelsea was made permanent by Borussia Dortmund last summer for €20 million.
The midfielder couldn't nail down a spot but his talents were there for all to see: explosive pace, nimble footwork and deadly passing range.
He made 38 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund last term, while also contributing five goals as Chukwuemeka showed great promise.
Chukwuemeka for Austria
Back in March, the 22-year-old made his international debut for Austria and announced himself to the side with a goal as Das Team crushed Ghana 5-1.
Chukwuemeka exuded confidence that belied his age and more importantly, looked right at home in Rangnick's set-up operating from a central midfield role.
Interestingly, all three of his appearances for Austria so far have come off the bench, including against Tunisia last week.
Given his lack of experience on the international stage, Rangnick might call him off the bench at the World Cup too as impact substitute,
Chukwuemeka for Austria
Carney Chukwuemeka has made only three appearances with Austria. Only goalkeeper Florian Wiegele and defender David Affengruber (one cap each) have played fewer times for the side than him.
Averaging just about 29 minutes per game, the BVB starlet is still only settling to life in the Austrian side but has already opened his goalscoring account, something he will be hoping to add to at the World Cup.
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