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Not just a squad, but a team
The whole country is proud to be represented by these players - not just as footballers, but as people.
In the end, unforgettable memories and experiences remain. The 2026 World Cup has forged the ÖFB team even closer together.
"I started here with comrades who have become my family," says Marko Arnautovic in his farewell.
Not just a squad, a team
The record-setting national player and record goal scorer has marked the emotional conclusion of Austria's first World Cup appearance in 28 years. It was his final appearance in the red-white-red jersey.
That he is leaving not just a squad, but a real team, has long been evident.
Not colleagues, but friends
Arnautovic, driving the children of his teammates around in a golf cart. ÖFB stars relaxing together in Los Angeles on their day off. Players dueling on the golf course.
These are friends, not colleagues who coincidentally share the same passport.
Not just footballers, but people
That Christoph Baumgartner took on the arduous journey to the USA so soon after his operation to contribute there as a link between the coaching staff and the players, shines yet another spotlight on the cohesion of this squad.
That the team could rally once again after Algeria's heartbreaking 3-2 win in stoppage time, only to then truly celebrate Saša Kalajdžić's sensational goal shortly after, is another example of the morale of this group.
It is all these things that make an entire country proud to be represented by these players – not just as footballers, but as people.
