Austria vs. Ghana: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 27, 2026 1:38 PM ET

Austria vs. Ghana: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview

A friendly at the Ernst Happel-Stadion on Friday pits Austria against Ghana. The match forms part of both teams’ final preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Austria will meet Algeria in the World Cup group stage. Ghana face England and Croatia in their group.

Form and context

Austria returned to the World Cup after the tournament expanded to 48 teams. They had not reached finals since 1998.

Their qualifying group included Bosnia and Herzegovina, Romania, Cyprus and San Marino. Austria dropped five points from a possible 24 to secure qualification.

The home side aim to improve on their last group-stage exit in 1998. They also carry a three-year unbeaten run in Vienna.

Ghana’s build-up

Ghana missed the Africa Cup of Nations and lost opportunities to build momentum. The Black Stars will make their fifth World Cup appearance.

Ghana also dropped five qualifying points, winning eight of 10 matches. Since beating Comoros 1-0 in October, they lost friendlies to Japan and South Korea.

Those defeats came by 2-0 and 1-0 margins. The team failed to score in both matches.

Team News

Austria could hand a debut to Carney Chukwuemeka, who switched allegiance from England. The squad includes veterans David Alaba and Marko Arnautovic.

Arnautovic scored eight goals in qualifying. Michael Gregoritsch added four qualifying goals to Austria’s tally.

Other notable names are Marcel Sabitzer, Konrad Laimer and Christoph Baumgartner. Baumgartner scored 12 Bundesliga goals for RB Leipzig.

Ghana will be without Inaki Williams after he withdrew following discomfort in Athletic Club’s game with Real Betis. Mohammed Kudus is also absent with a thigh injury.

Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo are among the senior figures in Otto Addo’s squad. Potential debutants include Derrick Luckassen, Patric Pfeiffer, Marvin Senaya and Daniel Agyei.