At Ernst Happel Stadion on 18 November 2025, Austria host Bosnia & Herzegovina in a match that will decide the final order at the top of the group. Austria need only to avoid defeat to secure direct qualification, while Bosnia arrive with renewed confidence after a vital win on Saturday. The competitive setup suggests a far more open contest than the standings might imply.
Austria One Step Away From the World Cup
Ralf Rangnick’s team have been the most consistent side in the group, collecting six wins from seven matches with an impressive goal difference of 21–3. Their only slip came in Romania, but Austria reacted immediately with a controlled 2–0 victory in Cyprus and followed it with a 2–1 win away to Bosnia. Their home form is exceptional - they have gone two full years without losing on Austrian soil. With qualification on the line, Austria are expected to approach the match with their usual aggressive, high-pressing structure, which naturally creates chances at both ends.
Bosnia & Herzegovina Still Alive After Big Weekend Win
Bosnia revived their qualification hopes with a crucial 3–1 comeback victory over Romania on Saturday. That result keeps them in contention for second place and, in theory, even first - though overtaking Austria in Vienna would require their best performance of the campaign. They have not lost an away match in the group so far, showing resilience and composure in difficult environments. Bosnia’s midfield creativity and ability to break quickly into space should give them moments to threaten, especially against an Austrian side that plays with intensity and a high defensive line.
Prediction: BTTS – Yes
Austria’s attacking rhythm at home and Bosnia’s renewed confidence create the conditions for an open and competitive match. Both teams possess enough firepower to find the net, and with so much at stake, neither side is likely to sit back.
