Austria and Algeria secured their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 after a thrilling 3-3 draw in their final Group J match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The result allowed Austria to advance as the group runner-up behind Argentina, thanks to a superior goal difference.
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Algeria moved forward as one of the best third-place teams, eliminating Iran from the competition.
Marko Arnautovic opened the scoring for Austria before Rafik Belghali equalized for Algeria.
Marcel Sabitzer restored the Austrian lead, but Riyad Mahrez tied the match again on the hour mark.
Algeria took a late 3-2 lead in the 93rd minute following a sequence of 110 successful passes finished by Mahrez, putting Austria on the brink of elimination.
However, substitute Sasa Kalajdzic equalized with a final header to keep Austria alive.
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Coach Reactions
Austrian head coach Ralf Rangnick addressed the chaotic final minutes during the post-match news conference. "I don't know how it came about," said Rangnick.
The manager expressed skepticism that the dramatic conclusion was intentionally planned.
"Nobody can tell me that at minute 75 that, in minute 93, someone would plan, 'Oh yes, let's score another goal'.
Maybe it was the thought of one or two players of Algeria, but I think in the rest of the team (that wasn't the case)," Rangnick added.
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According to reports from Yahoo Sports, Austria is scheduled to face Spain in the round of 32, while Algeria will play Switzerland in the next knockout round.
