Algeria and Austria secured spots in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after a thrilling 3-3 draw in their final Group J match at Kansas City Stadium. Sasa Kalajdzic’s late equalizer helped Austria claim the runners-up position in the group, advancing beyond the group stage for the first time since 1982. Algeria, on the other hand, advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams and will face Switzerland in Vancouver.
Austria took the lead with Marko Arnautovic’s goal in the 28th minute, but Algeria fought back strongly. Fares Chaibi hit the woodwork before Rafik Belghali’s equalizer. Austria regained the lead early in the second half through Marcel Sabitzer’s goal, only for Algeria’s Mahrez to level the score. The match saw late drama with Mahrez scoring in stoppage time, but Austria secured their progression with Kalajdzic’s goal.
Defending champions Argentina had already secured the group win, with Austria advancing as runners-up to set up a clash with Spain at Los Angeles Stadium on July 3. Algeria will face Switzerland on the same day in Vancouver.
