Austria are wary of becoming the latest European side to struggle against an Asian opponent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to head coach Ralf Rangnick.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at a stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area ahead of Austria's match against Jordan, Rangnick said he is approaching the possibility of his team becoming the latest European nation to falter against an Asian Football Confederation side with great caution if his players fail to perform at their best.

"We have seen many surprises in this World Cup," Rangnick said.

"If you look at the matches and the results, there have been 12 draws and only six wins, while no South American team has managed to win."

He added: "This will not be an easy or straightforward match. We are facing a difficult and troublesome opponent. They will try to lure us forward, absorb the pressure, and then exploit the open spaces through counterattacks."

"That is the style we expect them to play against us tomorrow," he continued.

Austria suffered a setback before the tournament when midfielder Christoph Baumgartner sustained a thigh injury. Baumgartner is considered one of the players who best embodies the team's high-pressing and intense style of play.

Rangnick declined to reveal his starting lineup but confirmed that he had settled on the eleven players who will face Jordan as early as last week. He also noted that the entire squad is in good physical condition.

With the match set to kick off on a mild evening in the San Francisco Bay Area, there may be little need for water breaks during the two halves. Nevertheless, Rangnick voiced his support for such stoppages.

"As a coach, I see it as a positive thing because it gives me an opportunity to speak with the players and provide instructions," the German coach said.

"I believe around 65,000 spectators will be in the stadium tomorrow, and the atmosphere will be extremely loud. It will be difficult for me to communicate with the players or speak to them during play."

He concluded: "Therefore, these breaks can be beneficial, as they give the team an opportunity to regroup and reorganize."