Austria‘s national football team will face Serbia in the return leg in March in the fight for promotion back to the top division of the Nations League. This was the result of the UEFA play-off draw on Friday in Nyon.
The Austrians lost direct promotion to League A last Sunday with a 1-1 home draw against Slovenia. The ÖFB selection will play the first leg of the relegation at home on March 20th, the second leg will follow on March 23rd in Serbia.
The Serbs finished their Nations League group in League A in the fall in third place behind Spain and Denmark and left Switzerland behind. The Austrians won the most recent international duel with the team around star striker Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus Turin 2-1 in a test before the European Championships in Germany in Vienna in June.
Home game on March 20th probably in Vienna
The ÖFB must inform UEFA of the venue for the relegation first leg by next Friday (November 29th). In all likelihood it will take place in the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. The only possible alternative seems to be the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz, which, however, only holds 16,500 and therefore significantly fewer spectators. “The probability is very high that we will play at one of the two locations,” explained ÖFB managing director Bernhard Neuhold.
Team boss Ralf Rangnick’s ÖFB selection was relegated from the A-League of the Nations League in 2022. In League B, after the final draw against the Slovenians, they finished second in the group behind Norway, which meant relegation against a third-place team in the top division. For Austria, qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada will not begin until June at the earliest. The draw will take place on December 13th in Zurich. The ÖFB team is placed in pot one and escapes Europe’s strongest nations.
### Interview with Football Analyst
### Interview with Football Analyst
**Editor:** Welcome to our program! Today, we have football analyst and commentator, Alex Müller, here to discuss Austria’s upcoming Nations League play-off against Serbia. Alex, thanks for joining us!
**Alex Müller:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Austrian football.
**Editor:** Absolutely! Let’s dive right in. Austria’s national team will face Serbia in a two-leg relegation play-off set for March. How do you think Austria’s recent performances, especially the draw against Slovenia, will influence their preparation?
**Alex Müller:** The draw against Slovenia was disappointing for Austria, particularly because it denied them a direct promotion to League A. This result highlights some inconsistencies in their game. However, it could also serve as a rallying point. Team boss Ralf Rangnick has a reputation for getting the best out of his players, and I expect the team will regroup and focus on these critical matches against Serbia.
**Editor:** Speaking of Serbia, they finished third in their group in League A this fall. What challenges do you foresee Austria facing in these matches?
**Alex Müller:** Serbia is a strong team with quality players, notably Dusan Vlahovic, who plays for Juventus. They have experience in high-pressure matches, which could give them an edge. Austria’s recent victory over Serbia in a friendly, where they won 2-1, might boost their confidence, but this time will be different because it’s about survival and promotion, not just prestige.
**Editor:** The first leg is expected to be held at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. How important is home advantage in such crucial encounters?
**Alex Müller:** Home advantage is significant, especially in a relegation scenario. The fans in Vienna can create an intense atmosphere, which often energizes the players. It also gives Austria a chance to establish a good lead before going to Serbia for the second leg. However, keeping the fans behind them and maintaining composure against a potentially aggressive Serbian side will be crucial.
**Editor:** Austria has been placed in pot one for the upcoming World Cup qualification draw. What are your thoughts on their prospects for qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?
**Alex Müller:** Being in pot one is definitely an advantage as it generally means facing weaker opponents in the group stage. However, Austria needs to build on their Nations League performance and ensure they capitalize on every opportunity. The upcoming matches in the Nations League will be essential for morale and momentum as they prepare for World Cup qualification starting next June.
**Editor:** Thanks, Alex! It sounds like there’s a lot at stake for Austria in the coming months. We’ll definitely keep an eye on their progress against Serbia!
**Alex Müller:** Absolutely! It’s going to be a thrilling few months for Austrian football. Thanks for having me!
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights! We look forward to discussing the outcomes soon.