Austria vs Kosovo prediction 27.09.2026 | Nations League

Austria are one of the best teams in League B, and Ralf Rangnick's team probably feels it belongs at a higher level. Last year, they had a chance to progress, but lost against Serbia in the promotion playoffs. Since then, Austria qualified for the World Cup, where they came out of the group, but lost in the 1/16 finals to the best in the world, Spain. On Thursday night, Rangnick's team opened the Nations League with a 3-1 victory at home against Israel. Although the hosts dominated throughout the game, they needed two goals late in the second half to secure all three points.

Austria's head coach, Ralf Rangnick, was very satisfied after a victory against Israel. He commented, "We didn't allow anything at all. From the 30th minute onwards, we had more control and took charge of the game. In the end, it was still a race against time. Scoring those two goals was important. It was a deserved victory over the entire match."

Austria is missing a few important players who played at the World Cup. Marcel Sabitzer agreed with Rangnick to miss the next few matches, as he needed rest. Konrad is nursing a groin injury and is not available for these four Nations League games. Also, experienced David Alaba had problems finding the next club and wasn't called by Rangnick, while Marko Arnautovic finished with career with the national team.

Michael Gregoritsch suffered an ankle injury in the first half against Israel and shouldn't be available for Sunday's tie against Kosovo.

In the previous Nations League campaign, Kosovo played in the lower level, and they seem good enough to remain in League B. Kosovo played well in the World Cup qualifications, too, but eventually, they lost in the decisive match to Turkey. Kosovo got back on track on Thursday night, beating Ireland 1-0 in the Nations League opening round. The hosts had significantly better goal-scoring chances, and it would feel pretty unfair if the visitors came out with something from the match.

Kosovo played well in the previous match, and the head coach, Franco Foda, was pleased. He stated, "Today I was pleased with our defensive unit. Ireland didn't create a single chance. I particularly liked the team's composure. After the first half, I told the players to stay calm and that the goal would come."

Amir Rrahmani decided not to play for the national team anymore until the current head of the federation changes. The rest of the crucial players are available for the trip to Austria.