Austria vs Israel Prediction 24 September 2026

⚽ Goals Prediction

Old head-to-head meetings might seem to point towards a high-scoring match, but both sides today look very different from their previous incarnations. That is especially true of Austria. The hosts are beginning their first camp without Arnautović, Sabitzer, Baumgartner, Alaba and Laimer - several players who were responsible for ball progression, pressing and the final pass.

Israel did not turn every game into a shootout in the spring either. After a scoring draw with Georgia, Ben-Shimon's side edged past Albania by the minimum. Away against the group favourites, there is no need for the visitors to open up from the first minute. Our pick: Total Goals - Under 3.5 at 1.63*.

🚩 Corners Prediction

Across the four previous meetings between these sides, they averaged 7.75 corners per match. Even more telling are Austria's recent games: their last five matches averaged just 5.8 corners. At the World Cup, the team did not always sustain prolonged pressure in the opposition box either.

Israel's numbers are higher, but the nature of the game in Linz should shift. The visitors are more likely to look for quick breaks through Solomon, Abada and Gloukh than to pin Austria back for long spells. Our pick: Total Corners - Under 9.5 at 1.52*.

🟨 Yellow Cards Prediction

This is an important match, but not yet a decisive one - both teams are only opening their tournament. Austria should have more of the ball, and Israel will find it more beneficial to hold their shape than to turn the game into a constant exchange of fouls.

The old head-to-head record does paint a harder picture, averaging 4.75 bookings. With the current squads, we expect a calmer game. Our pick: Total Yellow Cards - Under 3.5 at 1.55*.

🚀 Player Bet

With Arnautović gone, the centre-forward position has become one of the most interesting in the Austria squad. Gregoritsch has made 78 appearances for the national team and scored 24 goals, and he started the new club season in form - three goals in three Bundesliga rounds.

If Michael starts, the majority of balls into the box are likely to be aimed at him. His physical presence allows him to compete for aerial balls, and the absence of Arnautović further increases his importance around the goal. We're playing Michael Gregoritsch to Score at 1.95*.

😱 Risky Bet

Austria should have the upper hand, but that does not necessarily mean they will convert it into goals quickly. The new group of attacking players is still finding its feet in their roles, and Israel away from home may spend the first half-hour focused purely on defending. If the hosts take a long time to break down the defence and the visitors do not start taking risks, scorelines of 0-0 and 1-0 could remain alive right to the end. We'll take Total Goals - Under 2 at 3.95*.

🎯 Reliable Bet

Israel are capable of causing Austria problems on the counter, but over longer stretches the hosts should still have the ball more and spend more time near the opposition box. That said, expecting an Israeli win or an Austrian rout seems unwarranted. The match could well end in a draw. We'll cover ourselves with Austria Not to Lose at 1.12*.

👀 If the Match Goes Off-Script

The most uncomfortable scenario for Austria would be an early loss of possession. Without Laimer, the hosts lose one of their strongest pressers, and Israel have enough pace to punish space. Solomon, Abada and Gloukh do not need many chances if one of them starts with an interception and a few quick passes. Our pick: Israel to Score First.

*Odds are indicative and may vary across different bookmakers.