Algeria starting lineup vs Austria confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 match

The Fennecs can progress to the Round of 32 with a win in tonight’s match.

Algeria take on Austria in their final Group J fixture in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 27. The North African side sit third in the group, but can progress to the knockouts with a win or draw tonight.

The Desert Warriors began their campaign by suffering a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Argentina. Lionel Messi starred with a hat-trick, although the African side complained of an alleged red card-worthy foul being ignored in favour of the Argentine star.

Vladimir Petkovic’s side returned to winning ways in the next game against Jordan. Goals from Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri sealed a 2-1 win for the African side, although Nizar Al-Rashdan grabbed a consolation goal for the Chivalrous Ones.

The Fennecs are currently level on three points with Austria, but with an inferior goal difference. A win tonight will allow them to leapfrog their opponents into second place. Even a draw will suffice as four points will seal qualification as one of the eight best third-placed teams. However, a loss will make them sweat, in case the results in the other groups do not go their way.

Also Read: Algeria vs Austria: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026

Let’s look at the Algeria confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Austria:

Algeria (4-3-3): Oussama Benbot; Rafik Belghali, Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Jaouen Hadjam; Houssem Aouar, Nabil Bentaleb, Ibrahim Maza; Riyad Mahrez (c), Amine Gouiri, Fares Chaibi.

Substitutes: Luca Zidane (gk), Melvin Mastil (gk), Achref Abada, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Zineddine Belaid, Nadir Benbouali, Hicham Boudaoui, Adil Boulbina, Samir Chergui, Fares Ghedjemis, Anis Hadj Moussa, Yacine Titraoui, Mohamed Tougai, Ramiz Zerrouki.

Starting XI | التشكيلة الأساسية#LesVerts ⭐️⭐️ | #123VivaLAlgérie 🇩🇿 | #WorldCup2026 | #FIFAWORLDCUP pic.twitter.com/WXtTQjK3wq

— Équipe d'Algérie de football (@LesVerts) June 28, 2026

Thoughts on the lineup

Having been statistically one of the worst-performing goalkeepers in the group stage, Luca Zidane is dropped by Petkovic, with Oussama Benbot starting between the sticks.

Aissa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini have been the preferred centre-back pairing throughout the tournament and start tonight as well. Rafik Belghali and Jaouen Hadjam start as full-backs, with the latter replacing Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Nabil Bentaleb, who is still somehow just 31, starts in midfield along with Al-Ittihad’s Houssem Aouar and Bayer Leverkusen wunderkind Ibrahim Maza. Veteran Riyad Mahrez provided an assist in the last game and starts on the right wing, with Fares Chaibi starting on the left. Marseille star Amine Gouiri starts as the centre-forward.

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