Algeria 3-3 Austria: Five key takeaways from FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
Both sides reach the round of 32 following a draw.
Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 on Saturday night in their World Cup group-stage finale, allowing both to move to the next round and eliminating Iran from the competition.
The game was poised 2-2 in the final minutes. Algeria appeared to be satisfied to run out the clock until captain Riyad Mahrez scored his second goal with roughly a minute remaining in stoppage time. That left Austria on the edge of elimination.
But Sasa Kalajdzic scored the equalising goal moments later, saving Das Team’s World Cup aspirations.
Also read: Jordan 1-3 Argentina: Five key takeaways from FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
Five key takeaways from the FIFA World Cup 2026 match
5. Both teams reach the knockouts
Algeria and Austria qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after a thrilling draw in their last Group J match at Kansas City Stadium.
Algeria appeared to be on their way to defeating Das Team when Riyad Mahrez scored in the third minute of extra time, only for Sasa Kalajdzic to equalise in the dying moments. It sends both teams through.
4. Saša Kalajdžić scores an injury-time goal to send Austria to the knockouts
Austria advanced to the Round of 32 with a 3-3 draw against Algeria, with Saša Kalajdžić’s stunning 96th-minute equaliser. After Riyad Mahrez put Algeria ahead in the 93rd minute, the towering replacement headed in a Michael Gregoritsch cross to take Austria through.
3. Riyad Mahrez scored his first World Cup goal
Riyad Mahrez finally opened his FIFA World Cup account after giving Algeria the lead in injury time, only for Austria to level the scoreline in the last minute of the game. Despite both teams drawing 3-3, they qualified for the round of 32.
Moreover, Mharez scored his first-ever goal in the competition in the 60th minute and later added another goal to his World Cup tally in injury time.
2. Austria reach knockout stage for first time since 1982
Before their 2026 World Cup group stage encounter against Algeria, Austria had previously reached the FIFA World Cup knockout round in 1982. This occurred during the tournament in Spain. Back then, Austria and West Germany advanced from their groups following the historic “Disgrace of Gijón” match.
1. Algeria reach knockout stage for first time since 2014
Before the 3-3 draw against Austria in the 2026 World Cup, which saw Algeria reach the round of 32, they had last made it to the knockout stage in 2014. They advanced to the Round of 16 before being ousted by eventual winners Germany during the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
Where did Austria finish in the group?
They finished second.
Where did Algeria finish in the group?
They finished third.
How many games did Algeria win?
They won once in the group stage games.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.