Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers match.
This is a pivotal encounter for both sides. Austria and Romania are widely viewed as the leading candidates to finish top of the group, a position that secures automatic qualification for the World Cup.
Austria
Austria are only just getting their qualifying campaign underway, having spent the spring months focused on securing promotion to League A of the Nations League. That objective ultimately ended in disappointment, with a two-legged defeat to Serbia. The turning point came in Vienna, where they were unable to hold onto a lead and had to settle for a 1:1 draw. The second leg saw them suffer a 0:2 loss, meaning they remain in League B. Incidentally, Austria and Romania were part of the same group during the 2020/21 Nations League campaign.
Romania
On that occasion, both teams picked up away wins: Romania edged a 3:2 victory in Austria, while Austria responded with a 1:0 win in Romania. So far in the current World Cup qualifiers, Romania have shown a similar pattern. They were beaten 0:1 at home by Bosnia and Herzegovina, conceding in the 14th minute and failing to find an equaliser, while also receiving five yellow cards. Away from home, they recorded a comfortable 5:1 win over San Marino, although the level of opposition there was considerably lower.
Austria vs Romania Prediction
While we’re not claiming Romania are certain to win, there’s a key trend worth highlighting. Since the start of Euro 2024 qualifying, Romania have played nine away matches without a single defeat. That form gives us confidence in backing a double chance on the visitors.
