Daily Archives: June 1, 2026

Spotlight on Team Austria

The City of Goleta is proud to be the Host City for the Austrian National Soccer Team and the Austrian Football Association (Österreichischer Fußball-Bund or ÖFB) during the FIFA World Cup 2026TM! Team Austria is staying in Goleta and training at UCSB’s Harder Stadium throughout the tournament. The team, led by head coach Ralf Rangnick, secured its entry into the 2026 World Cup with a 6-1-1 record in qualifying matches last year, when the team scored an impressive 22 goals and allowed only four! This marks Austria’s first World Cup appearance since 1998 and its eighth appearance since the inaugural tournament in 1930.

The Team

  • Official Name: Österreichische Fußballnationalmannschaft (Austrian National Soccer Team)
  • Nicknames:
    • Das Team (The Team)
    • Die Burschen (The Boys)
    • Unsere Burschen (Our Boys)
  • Head Coach: Ralf Rangnick
  • Captain: David Alaba
  • Most caps: Marko Arnautović (130)
  • Most goals: Marko Arnautović (47)
  • FIFA Ranking: 24th
  • World Cup Appearances: 8
  • Best Result: 3rd Place (1954)
  • Team Colors: Red/White

Key Players

Team Austria’s roster features several elite players from some of the best teams in the world. Although there are too many to name, a partial list includes David Alaba, Austria’s captain and most decorated player, who is a center-back and has over 30 major trophies, including 10 Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich and two UEFA Champions League titles; Marcel Sabitzer, a versatile midfielder who is recognized for his offensive attack; Konrad Laimer, also a midfielder, who is known for his ability to press and win the ball; and Marko Arnautović, a decorated veteran and the team’s leader in appearances (130) and goals (47) for Austria.

Match Schedule

Team Austria will take the field in its signature red and white jerseys representing the Austrian flag (rot-weiss-rot! “red-white-red!”) to face off against some tough opponents during the Group Stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM. The team’s schedule is as follows:

  • Austria (24th) v. Jordan (64th) – Tuesday, June 16 – San Francisco Bay Area
  • Austria (24th) v. Argentina (2nd) – Monday, June 22 – Dallas
  • Austria (24th) v. Algeria (28th) – Saturday, June 27 – Kansas City

Click here for a full schedule of FIFA World Cup 2026TM matches.

The City of Goleta will be cheering on Austria and the ÖFB as they take on the FIFA World Cup 2026TM tournament! “Auf geh’ts, Burschen! Noch ein Tor!” (“Let’s go, lads!  Another goal!”)


Austrian National Soccer Team

Meet Me in Old Town June 17 & 24

Expanded Block Party, World Soccer Watch Parties, Live Music and Community Fun

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Goleta, is bringing back Meet Me in Old Town Goleta for its third summer, inviting residents and visitors to gather for two free evenings celebrating community, local business and the unique spirit of Old Town Goleta.

The free community block party series will take place Wednesday, June 17 and Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. along Pine Avenue near Community West Bank in the heart of Old Town Goleta. This year’s event features expanded space, additional activities, live entertainment, food, family-friendly experiences and world soccer watch parties in the COX Watch Party Lounge

“Meet Me in Old Town Goleta is about creating experiences that bring people together while supporting the businesses and organizations that make this community special,” said Kristen Miller, President & CEO of the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce. “Old Town has incredible energy, and these evenings give neighbors, families and visitors an opportunity to connect, celebrate and experience the heart of Goleta.”

Attendees can expect live music, interactive games and activities, local food offerings, community vendors, seating areas and opportunities to explore Old Town businesses and promotions. Families can also enjoy kid-friendly experiences including games, art stations and a mobile library. The first 50 children to arrive each evening will receive a complimentary Kona Ice.

Event Highlights:

What: Free Community Event (food, beverages, and merchandise available for purchase)

When: Wednesday, June 17 and Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 5 to 8 PM

Where: On Pine Avenue at Hollister (near Community West Bank), 5827 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117

Activities: Live music, local business specials, food trucks, refreshments, games, merchandise, community vendors, and a block party.

Entertainment/Live Music:

  • June 17 – Out of the Blue
  • June 24 – Equipo Elite

Watch Party Lineup:

The event’s watch party will feature international soccer match broadcasts on outdoor screens, creating an energetic gathering space for fans and community members alike.

  • June 17 – Colombia vs. Uzbekistan at 7 PM
  • June 24 – Mexico vs. Czechia at 6 PM

Parking: Public parking is available at Community West Bank Corporate Headquarters: 445 Pine Ave and Yardi: 430 S Fairview Ave

For more information in English and Spanish, please visit SBSCChamber.com or follow us on social media @SBSouthCoastChamber.