By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, June 28, 2026 - Algeria and Austria produced one of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they played out a pulsating 3-3 draw in their final Group J encounter, a result that sent both nations into the Round of 32 while heartbreakingly eliminating Iran from the tournament. What initially appeared to be a cagey contest exploded into life with six goals, including two in stoppage time, in a memorable night at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
The fixture carried added historical significance. It was the first World Cup meeting between Algeria and Austria since the infamous 1982 "Disgrace of Gijón," when the then-West Germany and Austria result controversially eliminated Algeria. This time, pre-match speculation suggested both sides might be content with a draw that would favour their qualification hopes, but the players instead served up an enthralling contest full of twists and late drama.
Austria made the brighter start and deservedly took the lead in the 28th minute. Veteran striker Marko Arnautović finished confidently after a flowing team move, giving Ralf Rangnick's side the early advantage and temporarily lifting them into second place in Group J. Algeria responded positively and pushed forward in search of an equaliser before the interval.
Their reward arrived just before half-time through Rafik Belghali. The defender capitalised on a fortunate ricochet inside the penalty area before firing beyond the Austrian goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1, ensuring the teams went into the break all square.
Austria regained the lead shortly after the restart thanks to a moment of brilliance from Marcel Sabitzer. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder unleashed a superb strike from outside the penalty area that gave the Algerian goalkeeper no chance, restoring Austria's advantage and increasing the pressure on Vladimir Petković's men.
Algeria, however, refused to surrender.
Captain Riyad Mahrez, who has once again demonstrated his importance throughout the tournament, drew the North Africans level with a composed finish shortly after Sabitzer's goal. His equaliser injected fresh belief into Algeria as both teams continued to search for the result that would guarantee progression.
As the match entered its closing stages, the pace slowed considerably, with both teams seemingly aware that a draw would benefit their qualification prospects. However, the game exploded into life deep into stoppage time.
In the 93rd minute, Mahrez struck again.
The former Manchester City winger latched onto a loose ball inside the penalty area before calmly finishing to make it 3-2 to Algeria. His second goal sparked wild celebrations among the Algerian supporters, with many believing it had secured victory and sent the Desert Foxes into the knockout stage. At that moment, Austria were staring at elimination.
But there was one final twist.
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Just moments after coming on as a substitute, towering striker Saša Kalajdžić rose highest to meet a cross in the sixth minute of stoppage time, powering a header into the net to make it 3-3 with virtually the last touch of the match. The dramatic equaliser sent the Austrian bench into jubilation and ensured both teams would progress from the group.
The draw means Austria finished second in Group J with four points, behind group winners Argentina, while Algeria also finished on four points but advanced as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams due to the expanded 48-team World Cup format. The dramatic conclusion also confirmed the elimination of Iran, whose hopes of progressing were extinguished by Kalajdžić's last-gasp goal.
For Austria, qualification represents their first appearance in the World Cup knockout rounds since the 1982 tournament. Rangnick's side showed resilience throughout the group stage, recovering from setbacks to secure the point they needed and earning a Round of 32 showdown with European champions Spain.
Algeria also have plenty to celebrate. After an inconsistent start to the tournament, the Desert Foxes fought back twice against quality opposition and showed remarkable character in one of the competition's most entertaining matches. Their reward is a Round of 32 clash against Switzerland, as they look to match, or even surpass, their historic run to the last 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Although the match will inevitably be remembered for its breathtaking finish, it also showcased the resilience and attacking quality of both sides. Arnautović and Sabitzer delivered for Austria, while Mahrez once again proved why he remains Algeria's talisman with a brilliant brace in one of the standout individual performances of the group stage.
In the end, neither side left disappointed. Austria and Algeria both extended their World Cup journeys after sharing an unforgettable six-goal thriller, while football fans around the world were treated to one of the most dramatic spectacles of the tournament so far.