Algeria and Austria served up the most dramatic finish of the World Cup 2026 group stage, playing out a 3-3 draw at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, June 27, 2026, that sent both nations into the Round of 32. Riyad Mahrez looked to have won it for Algeria with a stoppage-time strike, only for substitute Saša Kalajdžić to head home an even later equaliser and rescue Austria. The point was enough for both teams to advance from Group J.
Key Takeaways
- Algeria and Austria drew 3-3 in a breathless Group J finale, and both teams reached the Round of 32.
- Riyad Mahrez scored twice, including a 90+3 strike that briefly put Austria on the brink of elimination.
- Saša Kalajdžić equalised at 90+6, just seconds after coming on, to send Austria through as runners-up.
- Austria finished second and Algeria third; Algeria advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
The Algeria vs Austria World Cup 2026 matchup had everything: six goals, a lead that changed hands, and a stoppage-time sequence that swung from one side to the other in the space of three minutes. With a draw enough to send both through, the drama came from just how close each side came to snatching the win — and, in Austria’s case, to going out altogether.
How did the six-goal thriller unfold?
Austria struck first. In the 28th minute, David Alaba lofted a pass over the Algerian defence and Marko Arnautović finished to put his side 1-0 ahead. Algeria responded on the stroke of half-time, Rafik Belghali cutting inside from the right and firing into the roof of the net to level the game at 1-1 heading into the break.
The second half continued the end-to-end pattern. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead in the 55th minute with a curled strike from the edge of the box, set up by Konrad Laimer. Five minutes later, Riyad Mahrez tapped in at the back post from Houssem Aouar’s delivery to make it 2-2. With both teams knowing a draw would take them through, the game briefly settled, neither side eager to overcommit.
Then came the chaos. In the third minute of stoppage time, Mahrez struck again, guiding the ball into the bottom-right corner to put Algeria 3-2 up — a goal that, in that moment, left Austria facing elimination. But the drama was not done. Barely a minute after coming off the bench, Saša Kalajdžić rose to meet a Michael Gregoritsch cross and headed home the equaliser at 90+6, restoring the 3-3 scoreline and Austria’s place in the knockout round.
Which records and milestones stood out?
At 35, Riyad Mahrez finally opened his World Cup account — and did so twice in the space of half an hour. The Algeria captain became the first Algerian player to score at a World Cup aged 32 or older, capping a standout individual display even in a game his side could not win. His second goal, deep into stoppage time, so nearly proved decisive.
Saša Kalajdžić’s intervention was remarkable for its timing. The forward scored roughly 61 seconds after being introduced — the third-fastest substitute goal of the 2026 tournament — to spare Austria a shattering late defeat. The 3-3 result also had consequences beyond Group J: by securing Algeria’s place among the best third-placed teams, it ended Iran’s lingering hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
What were the key statistics of the Algeria vs Austria World Cup 2026 match?
Algeria dominated the ball and edged the chance quality, but Austria matched them goal for goal through clinical, efficient finishing. The expected-goals figures were close, reflecting a game in which both sides took the opportunities that came their way.
| Statistic | Algeria | Austria |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 65% | 35% |
| Shots on target | 5 | 3 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.67 | 1.49 |
| Fouls | 3 | 7 |
Who were the standout performers and starters for each side?
Riyad Mahrez was the game’s brightest attacking force, his brace nearly winning it for Algeria and underlining his enduring class at 35. For Austria, Saša Kalajdžić delivered the ultimate impact off the bench with the equaliser that mattered most, while Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautović also found the net. Rafik Belghali’s fine finish and Houssem Aouar’s assist highlighted Algeria’s attacking threat throughout.
Algeria Starting XI
- GK: Oussama Benbot
- Defenders: Rafik Belghali, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaïni, Jaouen Hadjam
- Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb, Farès Chaïbi
- Attacking midfield: Houssem Aouar, Ibrahim Maza, Riyad Mahrez
- Forward: Amine Gouiri
Austria Starting XI
- GK: Alexander Schlager
- Defenders: Philipp Lienhart, David Alaba, Stefan Posch, Philipp Mwene
- Midfielders: Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager
- Attacking midfield: Konrad Laimer, Romano Schmid, Marcel Sabitzer
- Forward: Marko Arnautović
What does this result mean for the Group J standings?
Both Austria and Algeria finished on four points from a record of one win, one draw, and one defeat. Austria took second place on goal difference and progressed as runners-up, while Algeria claimed third and advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Argentina had already sealed top spot, beating Jordan 3-1 in the group’s other final-round fixture to finish with a perfect nine points; Jordan ended bottom and was eliminated.
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Argentina | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | +7 | 9 |
| 2 | Austria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 4 |
| 3 | Algeria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 4 |
| 4 | Jordan | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -5 | 0 |
What are the upcoming fixtures for both teams after this match?
The group stage is over, and both sides now turn to the single-elimination Round of 32. Austria, as Group J runners-up, faces a formidable tie against Spain, the winners of Group H. Algeria, through as a best third-placed team, takes on Switzerland. Argentina’s reward for topping the group is a meeting with Cape Verde.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Algeria vs Austria World Cup 2026 match?
The match finished 3-3. Algeria scored through Rafik Belghali and a Riyad Mahrez brace, while Austria replied via Marko Arnautović, Marcel Sabitzer and a stoppage-time Saša Kalajdžić header.
Did both Algeria and Austria qualify for the knockout stage?
Yes. The 3-3 draw was enough to send both teams through. Austria advanced as Group J runners-up on goal difference, and Algeria qualified as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Who scored the last-minute equaliser for Austria?
Saša Kalajdžić headed home at 90+6, roughly 61 seconds after coming on as a substitute — the third-fastest substitute goal of the 2026 tournament — to rescue a 3-3 draw after Riyad Mahrez had put Algeria 3-2 ahead.
Who do Algeria and Austria play next?
In the Round of 32, Austria will face Spain, while Algeria takes on Switzerland.
