World Cup 2026 / Algeria - Austria: a wild match, both teams qualify (3-3)

27.06.26 FT World Cup

Algeria

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Austria

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In a surreal match in Kansas City, Algeria and Austria played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. The Fennecs, led by a Mahrez brace, have secured their place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

Kansas City won’t soon forget this night. Algeria and Austria delivered one of the wildest games of this World Cup, finishing with an unbelievable draw (3-3) that sees both teams provisionally qualify for the Round of 16. It was a scenario worthy of world football’s greatest nights, with nonstop drama and emotion from start to finish.

Read also: CDM 2026 / Algeria 1 - 1 Austria: Belghali answers Arnautovic!

The Mahrez show and stoppage-time madness

Arnautović opened the scoring (28’), before Belghali equalized just before the break with a thunderous strike (45’). In the second half, Sabitzer put Austria ahead again (55’), but Mahrez quickly leveled (60’). The Fennecs’ captain then thought he’d sealed direct qualification for Algeria with his second goal in the 93rd minute (3-2). However, the inevitable Kalajdžić snatched a dramatic equalizer for Austria with a header in the 96th minute, a goal confirmed by VAR (3-3), sending the entire stadium into shock.

As things stand, both teams qualify for the Round of 16, but under different circumstances. Austria finishes second and will face Spain next. Algeria, on the other hand, must wait for confirmation of their status as one of the best third-placed teams before facing Switzerland in the next round. It was a hard-fought qualification, but a qualification nonetheless.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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