A dramatic six-goal thriller sees Algeria and Austria qualify together from Group J. Sasa Kalajdžić’s stoppage-time equalizer rescues Austria from elimination, while Iran are heartbreakingly knocked out.
Match Report
One of the most dramatic matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage ended with celebrations on both sides.
Algeria and Austria played out an unforgettable 3-3 draw in Kansas City, a result that sends both nations into the Round of 32. Austria advance as Group J runners-up and will face Spain, while Algeria finish third but qualify among the tournament’s best third-placed teams, setting up a meeting with Switzerland.
The match also carried historical significance. Forty-four years after the infamous “Disgrace of Gijón” at the 1982 World Cup, Algeria had an opportunity to settle old scores against Austria. Instead, history delivered another unforgettable chapter.
Austria struck first in the 28th minute when veteran striker Marko Arnautović converted David Alaba’s assist to score his second goal of the tournament. At 37 years old, Arnautović joined Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Roger Milla among the few players to score multiple World Cup goals after turning 37.
Algeria refused to fold and found a deserved equalizer just before halftime through Reda Belghali, whose superb finish reignited the Desert Foxes’ hopes.
The second half became a roller coaster.
Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead with a powerful strike from outside the area in the 55th minute, but Riyad Mahrez answered almost immediately after excellent work from Houssem Aouar.
As stoppage time began, Mahrez struck again in the 93rd minute, seemingly completing an incredible comeback that would have sent Algeria through as runners-up while eliminating Austria and opening the door for Iran to qualify among the best third-placed teams.
Instead, Austria found one final attack.
Deep into the sixth minute of stoppage time, substitute Sasa Kalajdžić rose to score the dramatic 3-3 equalizer, rescuing Ralf Rangnick’s side from elimination and simultaneously crushing Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
The final whistle sparked relief rather than disappointment, as both Algeria and Austria celebrated qualification after one of the tournament’s most thrilling contests.
Match Report
Algeria 3-3 Austria
Scorers: 28′ Arnautović, 45′ Belghali, 55′ Sabitzer, 60′ Mahrez, 93′ Mahrez, 96′ Kalajdžić
Algeria: Benbot; Belghali (71′ Chergui), Mandi, Bensebaini, Hadjam (71′ Aït-Nouri); Chaïbi, Bentaleb, Mahrez, Maza, Aouar (90+4′ Ghedjemis); Gouiri (71′ Belaïd).
Coach: Vladimir Petković
Austria: Schlager; Posch, Lienhart, Alaba (62′ Danso), Mwene (90+5′ Kalajdžić); Seiwald, X. Schlager (46′ Grillitsch); Laimer, Schmid (46′ Wanner), Sabitzer; Arnautović (46′ Gregoritsch).
Coach: Ralf Rangnick
Referee: Ilgiz Tantashev (Uzbekistan)
Booked: Arnautović
Group J Final Standings
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 9 | Qualified |
| 2 | Austria | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 5 | +2 | 5 | Qualified |
| 3 | Algeria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | Qualified | |
| 4 | Jordan | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | -8 | Eliminated |
Round of 32: Austria advance as Group J runners-up and will face Spain. Algeria qualify as one of the best third-placed teams and will meet Switzerland. Kalajdžić’s last-gasp equalizer also eliminates Iran from the tournament.
