FIFA WC: Austria and Algeria through to knockouts after six-goal thriller
Kansas City, June 28
Algeria and Austria qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after playing out an action-packed 3-3 draw in their final Group J game here at Kansas City Stadium on Sunday.
Sasa Kalajdzic scored a last-gasp equaliser as Austria pipped Algeria to the runners-up spot in Group J. Notably, Austria progressed beyond the group stage for the first time since 1982, while Algeria reached the knockout rounds for the second time following their run in 2014.
With defending champions Argentina already confirmed as group winners, Austria advanced as runners-up, setting up a meeting with Spain at Los Angeles Stadium on July 3.
Algeria, meanwhile, progressed as one of the eight best third-placed teams and will face Switzerland in Vancouver on the same day.
Austria opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Marko Arnautovic latched onto a long ball and finished under Oussama Benbot. But Algeria responded strongly, with Fares Chaibi striking the woodwork before a bizarre passage of play culminated in the equaliser.
Mahrez reacted quickest to a ball that bounced off the corner flag and fed Rafik Belghali, who slalomed through the Austria defence to level with aplomb, FIFA reports.
Austria reclaimed the lead early in the second half as Marcel Sabitzer met Nicolas Seiwald's precise cut-back with a laser-guided first-time finish from 18 yards, but their advantage lasted just five minutes. Houssem Aouar surged down the left and crossed for Algeria captain Mahrez, who swept home from close range.
There were precious few chances until Mahrez struck in stoppage time, but the drama was not over as substitute striker Kalajdzic bundled home to confirm Austria's progression.
— IANS
Reader Comments
That corner flag incident was absolute madness in Kansas City. A ball off the corner flag leading to a goal? Only at a World Cup would you see such chaos. Algeria showed real fighting spirit after that. And Arnautovic's finish under the keeper was vintage. This group J was a rollercoaster!
While the match was exciting, I feel Algeria deserved more than just scraping through as a third-placed team. Mahrez was a class apart with his finishing, but Austria's resilience was commendable. Sabitzer's goal from 18 yards was top-class. That said, India should take note—we need more such high-intensity matches to inspire our grassroots football. 🏆⚽
Honestly, that Mahrez goal in stoppage time had me convinced Algeria would win it! But then Kalajdzic comes off the bench and spoils the party. 🙈 Austria vs Spain will be interesting—they'll need to be much better defensively. Meanwhile, Algeria vs Switzerland is a tough draw for them. Fingers crossed for more African representation in the knockouts! 🇩🇿🇦🇹
Kansas City stadium was rocking last night! That 3-3 draw had everything: early goals, bizarre plays, and last-minute drama. I was on the edge of my seat when Mahrez struck in the 93rd minute, thinking it was over. Then Kalajdzic's equalizer came from nowhere. Both teams deserve credit for the entertainment! 👏
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