Clear Words After Brutal Clash: Austrian Federation Addresses Defender's Availability Against Argentina

Pulse Sports Team 20:02 - 18 June 2026

Austrian international footballer Stefan Posch has a fractured jaw but remains with the team at the World Cup. According to the national federation (ÖFB), there is still a chance the 29-year-old defender could participate in the tournament.

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Posch sustained the fracture during a collision with Odeh Al-Fakhouri in the opening Group J match against Jordan, which his team won 3-1. Subsequent X-ray examinations confirmed the extent of the injury. The ÖFB stated that the injury does not require surgery and the player will be fitted with a special protective face mask.

"It remains questionable whether he will be able to feature in the next group stage encounter against Argentina," the DPA agency quoted from the federation's statement.

Austria is set to face the reigning champions on Monday, June 22nd, at 7:00 PM CEST in Arlington, with their final group match against Algeria scheduled for Sunday, June 28th, at 4:00 AM in Kansas City.