Algeria and Austria advance after a dramatic 6-goal World Cup thriller
By Joel Masibo, June 28, 2026Algeria and Austria secured their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 after producing an unforgettable 3-3 draw in their final Group J fixture on Sunday, June 28, 2026, a result that ended Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
The pulsating contest swung from one side to the other before reaching a breathtaking climax in stoppage time. Austria appeared to be heading out when Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez scored what looked to be a dramatic winner in the third minute of added time. However, substitute Sasa Kalajdzic struck just three minutes later to level the match and send Austria through alongside the North Africans.
Austria had taken the lead in the 28th minute through veteran striker Marko Arnautovic, who finished after being released by David Alaba. Algeria responded moments before halftime when Rafik Belghali produced an excellent solo effort to make it 1-1.
Second half drama
The second half continued at a frantic pace. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s advantage in the 55th minute before Mahrez fired Algeria level again five minutes later after a well-worked move orchestrated by Houssem Aouar.
With the score tied at 2-2 entering stoppage time, both teams looked set to settle for a result that would send them into the knockout rounds. But the drama was far from over. Mahrez struck again in the 93rd minute to hand Algeria a 3-2 lead, only for Kalajdzic to head home Austria’s equaliser in the dying seconds of the match, ensuring a share of the spoils.
The draw was enough for both teams to qualify, while Iran were left heartbroken after narrowly missing out on one of the eight third-place qualification spots. Their elimination was made even more painful after a series of results elsewhere failed to go their way.
The result also marked significant milestones for both nations. Austria progressed beyond the World Cup group stage for the first time since 1982, while Algeria reached the knockout rounds for only the second time in their history, having last done so in 2014.
The match further highlighted the impressive performance of African nations at the tournament. Nine of the ten African teams competing at the 2026 World Cup have now qualified for the round of 32, with Tunisia the only side to miss out.
Algeria will now face Switzerland in the round of 32 in Vancouver, while Austria take on Spain in Los Angeles, with both fixtures scheduled for July 2, 2026.