Austria won only two of their first 11 meetings with Romania, but are now seeking three successive victories in this fixture for the very first time. Romania have won only one of the last seven encounters between the pair, a 3-2 Nations League victory in Klagenfurt behind-closed-doors during lockdown.
Romania vs Austria preview
Austria have featured at seven World Cups to date, but their most-recent appearance came at France '98, failing to qualify for all seven subsequent editions. Well, that exile is surely about to end. So far, Ralf Rangnick's team boast a perfect record in qualifying, winning five out of five, so another victory here would leave them five points clear at the top of Group H with only two matches remaining.
Their most noteworthy wins have both been 2-1, first prevailing when Romania visited Vienna in June; Michael Gregoritsch and Marcel Sabitzer on target that night. Then, last month, Das Team battled to a 2-1 victory over the section's other genuine contenders Bosnia & Herzegovina, with Konrad Laimer the match-winner at Stadion Bilino polje.
On Thursday night, Austria enjoyed their biggest-ever victory, demolishing San Marino 10-0 at home. It was also an historic night for Marko Arnautović who, by scoring four of the ten at Ernst-Happel-Stadion, became his country's all-time leading scorer, breaking Toni Polster's record that had stood since 2000. Now, Arnautović and all his team mates are desperate to feature at a World Cup for the very first time, so will they take a gigantic step towards qualification with victory in București?
Similarly to their visitors, it is 27 years since Romania last graced the World Cup stage, featuring at all three tournaments in the '90s, but not getting back since. However, if they're to change that fact, they have plenty of work to do. Mircea Lucescu's side have already lost at home to Bosnia and in Vienna during this campaign, meaning they're very much playing catch-up. Thus, last month's 2-2 draw with Cyprus, in which they relinquished a 2-2 draw in Nicosia, was borderline disastrous.
So, the Tricolours' hopes of top spot and automatic qualification are all but mathematically over, but all hope is not lost. They could still usurp Bosnia into second spot, needing to win in Zenica next month to stand any chance of this. Also, having gained promotion to Nations League B last year, Romania are pretty much guaranteed a World Cup play-off spot, irrespective of where they finish in this group, so simply building momentum and confidence is valuable. Thus, can Romania claim a memorable victory, or will Austria put themselves on the cusp of qualification at Arena Națională?
Romania vs Austria head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 13.
- Romania Wins: 4. Draws: 5. Austria Wins: 4.
Romania team news
Mircea Lucescu made 11 changes for Thursday's friendly, a 2-1 win over Moldova at Arena Națională, but all of the regulars will be reinstated for this crucial qualifier.
With neither Horațiu Moldovan nor Florin Niță available, none of the goalkeepers in the squad have more than five caps, but Ștefan Târnovanu of expected to be donning the gloves. Andrei Rațiu of Rayo Vallecano is one of the best right-backs in La Liga while, with Răzvan Marin out injured, Adrian Șut is set to come into midfield, alongside Marius Marin.
Romania predicted lineup vs Austria: (4-3-3): Târnovanu; Rațiu, Ghiță, Popescu, Burcă; M Marin, Șut, Hagi; Man, Mihăilă, Munteanu.
Romania player to watch vs Austria
Dennis Man is the top-scorer in this squad, bagging his tenth international goal against Cyprus in June, so will be their primary goal threat once again in București.
Austria team news
Ralf Rangnick will once again deploy a high-class centre-back pairing featuring captain David Alaba, earning his 111th cap, alongside Kevin Danso of Tottenham.
Elsewhere, Alexander Schlager could return in goal, after Patrick Pentz started against San Marino; the gloves are very much up for grabs. Lastly, Marcel Sabitzer will make his 93rd international appearance, drawing level with Gerhard Hanappi, meaning only five Austrian men have more.
Austria predicted lineup vs Romania: (4-4-2): Schlager; Posch, Danso, Alaba, Prass; Seiwald, Laimer, Sabitzer, Schmid; Gregoritsch, Arnautović.
Austria player to watch vs Romania
As already outlined, 36 year old Marko Arnautović, who now plays for Crvena zvezda, became Austria's all-time record scorer on Thursday. His 45 goals for Austria have come against 24 different opponents, all of whom are European, so can he add Romania to this list?
Romania vs Austria prediction
This Sunday night clash at Arena Națională is so tough to call, which is why we're predicting a draw, one that doesn't help Romania but edged Austria a point closer to qualification: Romania 1-1 Austria.
Romania vs Austria FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Romania vs Austria in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Romania vs Austria in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Romania vs Austria in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Romania vs Austria in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Romania vs Austria in World Cup qualification?
Romania vs Austria takes place on Sunday 12 October 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).