By Dwayne Ferreira.
Austria and Algeria draw 3-3 in a wild Group J finale, with Saša Kalajdžić’s 96th-minute equaliser sending both teams through.
Austria and Algeria both reached the World Cup round of 32 after a breathless 3-3 draw in Group J, sealed by Saša Kalajdžić’s 96th-minute equaliser seconds after Riyad Mahrez thought he had won it.
The build-up carried awkward history and modern suspicion. Both teams began with three points and knew a draw would likely send them through, recalling memories of the 1982 “Disgrace of Gijón,” when Austria’s result against West Germany eliminated Algeria. This time, the match destroyed any idea of a quiet arrangement.
Austria opened the scoring in the 28th minute. David Alaba’s long pass found Marko Arnautović, whose first touch was not perfect but still allowed him to steer the ball past hesitant goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.
Algeria nearly responded before halftime through Farès Chaïbi, whose strike hit the post. Their equaliser arrived just before the break in spectacular fashion. Mahrez kept the ball alive near the byline, and Rafik Belghali darted past defenders before firing into the top corner.
Austria retook the lead in the 55th minute. Konrad Laimer headed the ball down and Marcel Sabitzer cut a pass back before finishing first time from 18 metres. For a few minutes, Austria looked in control.
Algeria hit back almost immediately. Houssem Aouar surged down the left and cut the ball back to Mahrez, who curled a precise finish into the top corner. At 2-2, both teams were advancing, and the match briefly seemed to settle.
Then stoppage time turned the night into chaos. Mahrez struck again in the 94th minute, sending Algerian supporters into delirium and briefly threatening Austria’s place. But Austria launched one final attack, and Kalajdžić, just introduced from the bench, headed in the equaliser in the 96th minute.
The final whistle brought celebration from both sides. Austria finished second in Group J and will face Spain. Algeria advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and will meet Switzerland.
It was dramatic, messy and unforgettable. Far from a convenient draw, the match became one of the group stage’s great thrillers and sent Iran out in the cruelest possible fashion.
MATCH SUMMARY
Algeria – 3
Rafik Belghali 45’
Riyad Mahrez 60’, 90+4’
Austria – 3
Marko Arnautović 28’
Marcel Sabitzer 55’
Saša Kalajdžić 90+6’
Result: Draw, 3-3
Player of the Match: Riyad Mahrez
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group J
Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
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