Six-Goal Thriller Sends Algeria, Austria Through

Riyad Mahrez delivered a Player of the Match performance as Algeria and Austria secured their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after an unforgettable 3-3 draw in their final Group J clash at Kansas City Stadium.

With defending champions Argentina already confirmed as group winners, the dramatic result saw Austria finish second in the group, while Algeria advanced as one of the tournament's eight best third-placed teams.

Austria struck first in the 28th minute when Marko Arnautovic raced onto a long ball and calmly finished past Algeria goalkeeper Oussama Benbot. Algeria responded with determination, and after Fares Chaibi rattled the woodwork, Riyad Mahrez capitalised on a fortunate rebound off the corner flag before setting up Rafik Belghali, who weaved through the Austrian defence to level the scores.

Austria regained the lead early in the second half through Marcel Sabitzer, who rifled Nicolas Seiwald's cut-back into the net with a superb first-time strike from 18 yards. Algeria hit back just five minutes later as Houssem Aouar's cross found captain Mahrez, who finished clinically from close range to make it 2-2.

The drama reached its peak in stoppage time. Mahrez appeared to have won the match for Algeria with his second goal of the night in the third minute of added time. However, Austria refused to surrender, and substitute Sasa Kalajdzic bundled home a dramatic late equaliser to send both nations into the knockout stage.

Austria's qualification marks their first progression beyond the World Cup group stage since 1982. Algeria, meanwhile, reached the knockout rounds for only the second time in their history, having previously achieved the feat in 2014.

Austria will now face Spain in the Round of 32 at Los Angeles Stadium on 2 July, while Algeria will take on Switzerland in Vancouver on the same day.

Your Superior Player of the Match is Riyad Mahrez. ⚽

#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/5oDTZLxES0

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 28, 2026

Player of the Match: Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)