### Austria's Historic Qualification for the 2026 World Cup After Nearly Three Decades Austria has secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking its first qualification since 1998. The team achieved this milestone with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 19, 2025. Michael Gregoritsch's late equalizer in the 77th minute not only salvaged a point for Austria but also ensured they topped Group H in the UEFA qualifiers. This result sends Bosnia into a playoff for a chance to qualify for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the U.S., and Canada [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/austria-qualify-for-2026-world-cup-with-1-1-draw-against-bosnia][https://www.thelocal.at/20251119/austria-books-2026-world-cup-spot-as-gregoritsch-strikes-late]. ### Breakdown of Austria's Qualification Journey 1. **Match Overview**: - Austria faced Bosnia and Herzegovina in a crucial qualifier. - The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Gregoritsch scoring the equalizer late in the game [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3702436-austria-secures-world-cup-spot-with-late-equalizer]. 2. **Group Performance**: - Austria topped Group H, finishing with a total of 19 points. - Bosnia, despite the draw, finished second with 17 points and will enter the playoff stage [https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/international-football/austria-qualifies-for-fifa-world-cup-2026-after-1-1-draw-with-bosnia-wc-qualifiers/article70297577.ece]. 3. **Historical Context**: - This qualification is significant as it ends a 27-year absence from the World Cup for Austria [https://www.flashscore.dk/news/soccer-world-cup-austria-claim-late-draw-vs-bosnia-herzegovina-to-qualify-for-first-world-cup-since-1998/pfNtMCjn]. - The last time Austria participated in the World Cup was in 1998, making this a momentous occasion for the national team and its supporters [https://n1info.ba/english/news/austria-secures-direct-world-cup-spot-bosnia-slips-to-play-offs-after-early-lead]. ### Key Statistics and Highlights - **Match Details**: - **Final Score**: Austria 1 - 1 Bosnia and Herzegovina - **Goals**: - Bosnia: Haris Tabaković (early lead) - Austria: Michael Gregoritsch (77th minute equalizer) - **Group H Standings**: - 1st: Austria - 19 points - 2nd: Bosnia and Herzegovina - 17 points (playoff qualification) [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3702448-update-1-soccer-austria-qualify-for-2026-world-cup-with-1-1-draw-against-bosnia]. ### Conclusion: Austria's Path to the World Cup In summary, Austria's qualification for the 2026 World Cup is a significant achievement, reflecting their resilience and determination throughout the qualifying campaign. The late equalizer by Michael Gregoritsch not only secured a vital point but also marked a historic return to the World Cup stage after 27 years. The journey has been characterized by strong performances in Group H, culminating in a well-deserved spot in the upcoming tournament. 1. **Historic Qualification**: Austria returns to the World Cup after 27 years. 2. **Dramatic Match**: A late equalizer secured their top position in Group H. 3. **Future Prospects**: Bosnia will now compete in the playoffs for a chance to qualify [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3702437-switzerland-clinches-world-cup-spot-despite-draw-with-kosovo].