Four FCA players through to World Cup knockout stage
Round of 32 underway
First Team
01.07.2026, 13:00
The 2026 World Cup group stage is done, and four FC Augsburg players are still involved in the tournament. Here is a look at how they got on in the opening round and what lies ahead.
Michael Gregoritsch – Austria
Michael Gregoritsch and Austria made it through as group runners-up after a dramatic finish to the first phase. Their campaign began with a 3-1 win over Jordan, before a 2-0 defeat to reigning world champions Argentina left them needing a result against Algeria. Austria delivered when it mattered, showing real character in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Gregoritsch came on as a substitute and played a decisive part in their last-minute equaliser, heading a cross from the left into the path of Saša Kalajdžić, who nodded in to send Austria through in the dying moments.
Gregoritsch and his Austria teammates now face a major test against European champions Spain in the last 32 on Thursday, 2nd July at 21:00 CEST. Spain topped their group with seven points. If Austria can find a way through, they will meet either Portugal or Croatia in the round of 16 on 6th July at 21:00 CEST.
Fabian Rieder – Switzerland
Fabian Rieder is also into the last 32 with Switzerland. After beginning the tournament with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Qatar, Switzerland found their stride in a convincing 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. They then sealed top spot in the group with a 2-1 victory over Canada in their final match.
Rieder’s Switzerland will take on Algeria in the last 32 on 3rd July at 05:00 CEST. FCA teammate Michael Gregoritsch has already faced the North Africans in this tournament, with Algeria progressing as one of the eight best third-placed sides. Victory for Switzerland would set up a round-of-16 tie against either Colombia or Ghana on 7th July at 22:00 CEST.
Kristijan Jakić – Croatia
Kristijan Jakić and Croatia also progressed as group runners-up. Their tournament got off to a difficult start with a 4-2 defeat to England, but they responded with a 1-0 win over Panama to keep their hopes alive. Croatia then finished the job against Ghana, winning 2-1 to secure their place in the knockout stage.
Portugal await Croatia in the last 32 on 3rd July at 01:00 CEST, having also finished second in their group. Should Croatia get past them, they will face either Spain or Austria in the round of 16 on 6th July at 21:00 CEST, raising the possibility of an all-FCA meeting between Jakić and Gregoritsch.
Nathanaël Mbuku – DR Congo
Nathanaël Mbuku and DR Congo are through after finishing on four points and progressing as one of the best third-placed teams. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Portugal and were then edged out 1-0 by Colombia, but bounced back impressively in their final group game against Uzbekistan. Mbuku played 72 energetic minutes in the 3-1 win and had a goal ruled out following a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
DR Congo now face England in the last 32 on 1st July at 18:00 CEST. England won their group with seven points. If Mbuku’s side pull off the upset, they will meet hosts Mexico in the round of 16 on 6th July at 02:00 CEST.
