Stefan Posch dons jaw brace for Austria at World Cup

Defender Stefan Posch took the field for Austria against Argentina at the World Cup wearing a conspicuous jaw brace, a remnant of the broken jaw he suffered in the opening group match against Jordan after a collision with attacker Odeh Al‑Fakhouri. Posch was able to complete the match despite the injury. The Austrian federation later confirmed that his jaw had received a hard impact and ordered X‑ray examinations. X‑rays revealed a fracture, prompting fears that his World Cup campaign might end and that surgery would be required. Instead, Posch travelled twice to Los Angeles for a custom‑fitted jaw brace.

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National team coach Ralf Rangnick deliberated over whether to start Posch. Ultimately he selected the defender for the Argentina clash, with Posch wearing a black protective mask. During the match, Posch became involved in the penalty situation concerning Lautaro Martínez. Martínez initially missed the spot‑kick, but a few minutes later converted, enabling Lionel Messi to become the tournament’s all‑time top scorer.

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The incident highlighted Posch’s visibility on the field, both for his brace and his role in the decisive penalty. His participation underscored Austria’s determination to field a full‑strength lineup despite recent injuries. The broken jaw originated in Austria’s victorious group‑stage game against Jordan, where Posch collided with Jordanian forward Odeh Al‑Fakhouri. That encounter left him with a fractured mandible, later treated with the Los Angeles brace.