KANSAS CITY : Algeria and Austria secured places in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after playing out a dramatic 3-3 draw in their final Group J match on Sunday.
The result saw Austria finish second in the group, while Algeria advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams with four points.
Austria opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Marko Arnautovic before Algeria equalised on the stroke of halftime when Rafik Belghali found the net to leave the sides level at 1-1.
Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead in the 54th minute, but Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez responded six minutes later to make it 2-2.
Algeria then moved in front with a third goal, only for Austria to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser and ensure both teams progressed to the knockout stage.
Algeria will face Switzerland in the Round of 32 on Friday, while Austria take on Spain.




