Rangnick extends contract to lead Austria through 2028 Euros

Ralph Rangnick, 67, has extended his contract as head coach of the Austrian national football team.

The Austrian Football Association announced Friday that it had agreed to extend Rangnick's contract through UEFA Euro 2028.

"The contract extension came after months of in-depth, trust-based discussions," the association said on its website. "Rangnick and Josef Pröll, chairman of the Austrian Football Association's coaching committee, have maintained a relationship built on mutual respect, understanding and a shared commitment to the team's continued development." The committee approved the extension unanimously, it added.

Pröll said he was "very pleased to be able to share this fantastic news with fans ahead of the World Cup," adding that "the clarity secured is particularly important for the team." He also expressed his gratitude to Rangnick.

Rangnick said the extension had been a significant personal decision. "From the outset, I said that extending my contract was a very important matter for me, and several factors played a role — one of them was the question of which members of the coaching staff would stay on, and that has now been resolved," he said. "At least half of what we have achieved over the past four years is to the credit of the entire coaching staff. I am very happy to be able to remain with the national team after the World Cup."

Rangnick has worked as a coach since 1983, having managed clubs including RB Leipzig, Schalke and Manchester United before taking charge of Austria in 2022. Austria's qualification for the World Cup marks the country's first appearance at the tournament since the 1998 France edition — when they were eliminated in the group stage — ending a 28-year absence.

Austria open their World Cup campaign against Jordan on Wednesday, with a second group-stage match against Argentina scheduled for June 23.