Austria and Algeria draw 3-3, both go to the next round
A thrilling 3-3 draw sends both nations through to the World Cup Round of 32 in historic fashion.
Algeria and Austria have both qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after an exciting 3-3 draw in their final Group J match at the Kansas City Stadium.
The match saw a dramatic finish. Algeria looked secure for a win when star player Riyad Mahrez scored in the 93rd minute. However, Austria's Sasa Kalajdzic scored a last-second equalizer to send both nations through to the next round.
Next Matchups
Argentina finished as the winners of Group J. Austria advanced as runners-up and will now face Spain in Los Angeles on 2 July. Algeria progressed as one of the best third-placed teams and will play against Switzerland in Vancouver on the same day.
Goal Scorers
- Algeria: Rafik Belghali (41'), Riyad Mahrez (60', 90+3')
- Austria: Marko Arnautovic (28'), Marcel Sabitzer (55'), Sasa Kalajdzic (90+5')
How the Match Unfolded
Austria opened the scoring in the 28th minute. Marko Arnautovic controlled a long pass and scored past Algerian goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.
Algeria responded quickly. After Fares Chaibi hit the post, Riyad Mahrez passed to Rafik Belghali, who ran through the Austrian defense to score a beautiful equalizer.
Austria took the lead again early in the second half. Marcel Sabitzer scored with a powerful first-time shot from 18 yards after receiving a pass from Nicolas Seiwald.
Only five minutes later, Algeria leveled the score. Houssem Aouar crossed the ball from the left side, and captain Riyad Mahrez finished it from close range.
The final minutes of the match brought high drama. Mahrez scored in stoppage time to give Algeria the lead. However, Austria's substitute striker Kalajdzic managed to score in the 95th minute to secure the draw.
A Historic Achievement
This result is a historic moment for both teams. Austria has reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time since 1982. Meanwhile, Algeria has reached the knockout rounds for the second time in their history, repeating their success from 2014.
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