Sasa Kalajdzic has been named in Austria’s FIFA World Cup squad
Recently helped LASK secure their first Austrian league title in 61 years
After two serious injuries, the forward is finally fully fit and ready for the forthcoming global showpiece
When Saaa Kalajdzic lifted the Austrian Bundesliga shield following Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Austria Vienna, he was beaming from ear to ear. And who could blame him, given what the 28-year-old has been through?
On loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the towering striker’s career has been plagued by serious injuries, but he hit top form just in time for LASK’s run-in. With 13 goal contributions in his last ten appearances, he played a key role in securing a historic double for the Linz-based club, including their first league title in 61 years, highlighted by two assists and a penalty won in the decisive final game of the season.
As if that weren't enough reason to celebrate, the former VfB Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt man has just been named in Austria’s 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. Speaking to FIFA ahead of the tournament, Kalajdzic discussed the national team’s strengths, Ralf Rangnick’s words of wisdom to him, and the influence of skipper David Alaba.
You’ve been providing a lot of assists lately. Is that something you’ve been consciously working on?
For me, the team always has to come first. The squad is strong in many areas, and I can bring a lot to the table. We’ve also got players who are extremely good at certain things. We have incredibly quick players, especially up front, even though I’m not exactly known for being a speed merchant. However, I’m someone who can set those players up to score, and that’s why those extra assists have been coming my way. It could have been even more to be honest, but I’m really happy with how it’s going, and the main thing is that the team is benefitting.
Was the upcoming World Cup an extra motivation for you on your way back from injury?
That kind of stuff is always in the back of your mind. But my main priority this year was just finding my feet again and getting some consistency – I’ve managed to do that; and just preparing my body to perform week in, week out. And it can do that now. I’m eternally grateful, especially to God, that I have got this opportunity.
I worked hard in my recovery, everything that needed fixing got fixed, and so I’m just happy with where I’m at right now, and how things are going. Of course, the World Cup is always at the back of your mind, but basically, you don't get to go if you aren't healthy and playing.
What was it like getting the phone-call from Ralf Rangnick and returning to the national team set-up?
My club coach [Dietmar Kuhbauer] actually broke the news to me on the day the squad was announced, telling me he was delighted to see me back in the mix. Then, I saw the official squad announcement, I received a text message from the manager about some logistics, and that, for me, was just a beautiful moment. Especially that first game. I don't think I felt particularly nervous, but subconsciously, it felt like a massive weight was just lifted off my shoulders. It was pure relief, and I tried to just soak it all in.
Did Ralf Rangnick give you any words of wisdom for LASK’s title run-in?
He told me to just keep pushing myself, especially physically and athletically, and that if I carried on doing what I was doing, and continued to play well for LASK, that I’d have a very good chance of being called up to the squad.
Where do you think Austria has made the biggest strides over the last few years?
I don’t think you should shy away from any opponent, especially with this team. This team has got some incredible individual talent, but our greatest strength is our togetherness and team spirit, and the grit and intensity we bring. Austria play a very intense brand of football, and we have the perfect players to do so. When you play with that intensity, it makes life difficult for any opponent, and we really are a very close bunch, with the coach, the staff and the fans – the whole country.
It’s just a united front, and the boys have done an incredible job. They qualified for the World Cup as group winners, which hasn't happened in a very long time. You can feel the sense of euphoria in the country right now, and everyone is incredibly proud to be representing Austria.
How vital is someone like David Alaba as captain of this Austrian team?
I think David is a massive player for the team, both on and off the pitch; someone you can lean on and a figure of authority, who simply instils a sense of calm in the dressing room and takes the pressure off one or two of the others because, given his career, he’s often the one in the spotlight. And he’s just a great guy to have around. He’s really funny, always gets involved, and that’s why I think he’s indispensable to Austria.
Is there any particular player or opponent you’re looking forward to facing at the World Cup?
I always love coming up against players that I’ve played with before, and that’s especially true of Nicolas Gonzalez from Argentina. He’s one of the few that I know personally. There are also a couple of players in the Algeria squad I know from my time at Wolves and Frankfurt, so I can't wait to see them, but honestly, I'm just looking forward to the whole experience. It’s a massive event. I think it's the pinnacle of what you can achieve as a player.