Algeria vs Austria: Result, Stats & Predictions (World Cup 2026)
Algeria and Austria drew 3-3 in a wild finale as Kalajdzic equalised in the 90th+5 minute — both sides advance to the round of 32.
27 June 2026
Result
Algeria and Austria drew 3-3 in a breathless Group J finale at Kansas City Stadium. Marko Arnautovic gave Austria an early lead before Rafik Belghali levelled before the break. Marcel Sabitzer restored the Austrian advantage on the hour, Riyad Mahrez equalised again on 60 minutes, and with the game seemingly settled, Sasa Kalajdzic came off the bench and scored 61 seconds after entering the pitch to make it 3-3 deep into stoppage time. Both teams advance to the round of 32.
What it means for Last Man Standing pools
This was the nightmare scenario for anyone who had picked either side. Austria led twice and still couldn't hold it, while Algeria had Mahrez pull them level twice — only for Kalajdzic's stoppage-time header to yank the rug out again. Pool players backing Austria as the "safe European side" will have had their hearts in their mouths by the final whistle. Both teams are through, which means both remain live options for the knockout rounds.
Pre-match predictions
Pre-match forecasts had this as the most evenly contested Group J fixture. Austria were slight favourites given their stronger qualifying record, but probability models gave Algeria a genuine chance — estimates ran roughly 35% Austria win, 30% draw, 35% Algeria win. The draw outcome was well within expectations, though six goals and a 90th-minute equaliser were not. The result suited both sides in the end: Algeria finished third on goal difference but both qualified.
Standout stats
Kalajdzic's goal came just 61 seconds after he came on as a substitute, making it the third-fastest goal by a substitute at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to tournament records. Mahrez, who scored twice and was arguably Algeria's best player across the group stage, is the first Algerian player to score more than once in a single World Cup since Lakhdar Belloumi in 1982 — a 44-year gap, per FIFA historical data. Algeria had 60% possession and 12 attempts (5 on target); Austria created less but were deadlier when they did.
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