Austria and Algeria both secured FIFA World Cup 2026™ Round of 32 qualification after an action-packed 3-3 draw in their final Group J match at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday 27 June.
Riyad Mahrez looked to have won it for Algeria when he struck in the third minute of added time, but substitute Sasa Kalajdzic bundled home a last-gasp equaliser to ensure Austria finished as Group J runners-up and that Algeria also progressed.
With defending champions Argentina already confirmed as group winners, the point was enough for Austria to advance in second place. Algeria went through as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Six-goal thriller as momentum swings throughout
Austria struck first in the 28th minute when Marko Arnautovic latched onto a long ball and finished under Oussama Benbot to make it 1-0.
Algeria responded strongly and went close through Fares Chaibi, who hit the woodwork, before a chaotic sequence ended with the equaliser. Riyad Mahrez reacted quickest after the ball bounced off the corner flag and fed Rafik Belghali, who slalomed through the Austria defence and levelled with a composed finish in the 41st minute.
The second half began with Austria back in front. In the 55th minute, Marcel Sabitzer met Nicolas Seiwald’s cut-back with a first-time strike from 18 yards to restore the lead at 2-1.
That advantage lasted only five minutes. Houssem Aouar surged down the left and delivered a cross for Algeria captain Mahrez, who swept home from close range in the 60th minute to make it 2-2.
After that flurry, chances were limited for long spells as the match moved toward a tense finish. Algeria then appeared to have completed the turnaround in stoppage time when Mahrez scored again in the third minute of added time, putting his side 3-2 ahead and seemingly sending Austria out.
The drama was not over. In the final moments, Kalajdzic struck to make it 3-3 in the fifth minute of added time, rescuing a draw and confirming Austria’s progression beyond the group stage for the first time since 1982.
Goalscorers
Algeria: Belghali (41), Mahrez (60, 90+3)
Austria: Arnautovic (28), Sabitzer (55), Kalajdzic (90+5)
Key stat and award
Mahrez scored his 39th and 40th goals for Algeria, his first across four World Cup appearances.
Mahrez was named Superior Player of the Match.
What the result means: Round of 32 ties confirmed
The draw settled the final Group J positions behind Argentina. Austria advanced as runners-up and will meet Spain at Los Angeles Stadium on 2 July.
Algeria progressed as one of the eight best third-placed teams and will face Switzerland in Vancouver on the same day.
For both teams, the late twists in Kansas City ensured their World Cup 2026 journeys continue into the knockout phase, with Austria’s late equaliser proving decisive in keeping them in second place and sending Algeria through via the third-place route.
