Ralf Rangnick
German coach who led Austria to their first World Cup since 1998 with a high-pressing style.
Last refreshed: 28 June 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Can Rangnick's high press carry Austria beyond the round of 32 for the first time?
Timeline for Ralf Rangnick
Dismissed pre-match comparisons to the 1982 Disgrace of Gijon
2026 FIFA World Cup: Austria 3-3 Algeria: both go throughWho is the Austria national football team manager in 2026?
What did Ralf Rangnick say about the Disgrace of Gijon before the Algeria match?
What clubs has Ralf Rangnick managed?
Background
Ralf Rangnick publicly dismissed comparisons to the 1982 Disgrace of Gijón before the Austria-Algeria group decider — and the match answered the charge with a 3-3 thriller settled only in the 96th minute . Austria scored three times and conceded three, clearing the collusion question entirely and advancing on merit.
Rangnick took charge of Austria in June 2022 and ended the country's 28-year World Cup absence by topping their qualifying group. German by nationality, he first made his name at TSG Hoffenheim (successive promotions to the Bundesliga) and Schalke 04 (2011 DFB-Pokal, Champions League semi-finals). He then became the architect of the Red Bull football network, overseeing both Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig's rise from regional football to the Champions League. A stint as interim manager at Manchester United (2021-22) preceded Austria. He has extended his contract through 2028.
His organised high-press has transformed Austria into one of Europe's more cohesive national sides, developing players from Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautovic down to the squad depth that absorbed injury absences across qualifying. The test at the 2026 World Cup is whether Austria can maintain that intensity in knockout football against opponents capable of pressing back.
