Algeria and Austria reached the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic draw in their final Group J match in Kansas City.
Riyad Mahrez looked to have sent Algeria through in stoppage time, but substitute Sasa Kalajdzic struck late for Austria to secure both teams’ progress.
With Argentina already confirmed as group winners, Austria finished second and will face Spain in Los Angeles on July 2. Algeria advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and meet Switzerland in Vancouver the same day.
Austria led through Marko Arnautovic in the first half, before Algeria hit back via Rafik Belghali and Mahrez. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s advantage early in the second half, only for Mahrez to equalise again before the late drama.
The result sends Austria into the knockout stage for the first time since 1982, while Algeria reach the last 32 for only the second time.
