Algeria and Austria booked their places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after producing one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches, battling to a thrilling 3-3 draw that also ended Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Both teams entered the decisive Group J encounter knowing that a draw would guarantee qualification, but rather than settling for a cautious contest, they delivered an entertaining six-goal spectacle that was only decided deep into stoppage time in Kansas City.
Austria twice took the lead before Algeria appeared to have secured all three points through Riyad Mahrez’s dramatic 93rd-minute strike. However, substitute Sasa Kalajdzic rescued Austria with a 96th-minute equaliser, sparking wild celebrations among the Austrian supporters.
The late drama also dashed Iran’s hopes of progressing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams after they had earlier played out a 1-1 draw against Egypt.
Austria became the first team in World Cup history to avoid defeat after trailing beyond the 90-minute mark, while Algeria advanced as one of the best third-placed finishers.
The match began at a frantic pace, with both sides showing attacking intent from the opening whistle. Austria broke the deadlock shortly after the first-half hydration break when Marko Arnautovic latched onto a long pass from David Alaba and calmly finished past goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.
Algeria responded strongly and deservedly equalised before the interval when Rafik Belghali reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired emphatically into the roof of the net.
Austria regained the advantage 10 minutes into the second half as Marcel Sabitzer side-footed home from Konrad Laimer’s cut-back, but Algeria once again found a response through Mahrez, who finished at the far post after excellent work by Houssem Aouar.
With both teams seemingly content to settle for a draw late in the game, the drama exploded in stoppage time.
Mahrez appeared to have completed Algeria’s comeback when he drove home a powerful effort from a tight angle in the 93rd minute to put the North Africans 3-2 ahead and seemingly secure second place in the group.
However, Austria had the final word. Just over a minute after coming off the bench, Kalajdzic rose highest to head home in the 96th minute and rescue a crucial point for Ralf Rangnick’s side.
The result means Austria finish as Group J runners-up and will face Spain in the Round of 32, while Algeria progress as one of the best third-placed teams and will take on Switzerland.
For Iran, whose campaign ends unbeaten after three draws, the late equaliser proved devastating as their World Cup journey came to a heartbreaking end.
