World Cup comeback? Unexpected problem for Hirscher

Whether Marcel Hirscher will return to the World Cup is uncertain. Now the Austrian faces an unexpected problem – from the FIS.

07 May 2026

From: det

Will Marcel Hirscher return to the Ski World Cup or not? That's one of the most exciting questions this summer. After retiring in 2019, the Austrian superstar launched a sensational comeback in the fall of 2024, which unfortunately ended badly: In December 2024, Hirscher suffered a torn cruciate ligament in training.

Last season, the 37-year-old Austrian wanted to make a comeback, but the attempt was repeatedly delayed until Hirscher finally pulled the plug and announced: He will not compete in any races during the 2025/26 winter season. Will he return in the 2026/27 season? There is much speculation, but Hirscher has not yet commented.

Will Marcel Hirscher return? © ANSA / ANNA SZILAGYI

Now, the eight-time overall World Cup winner faces an unexpected problem: the FIS has revoked his wildcard. This was reported by the Swiss. Look. This wildcard was worth its weight in gold for Hirscher, because it allowed him to start directly after the top 30 – and thus found a less battered slope.

Now that advantage is gone. Should Hirscher return, he'll have to start from far back. Will that influence his comeback decision? We'll have to wait and see.

Keywords Winter sports Alpine skiing Marcel Hirscher