Algeria 3-3 Austria: late stoppage-time drama sends both through and knocks Iran out

Algeria and Austria played out a 3-3 draw in their final Group J match at the 2026 World Cup, a result that sent both teams into the round of 32 and eliminated Iran on goal difference.

Austria struck first through Marko Arnautovic, but Algeria responded through Rafik Belghali. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's lead before the game flipped again in stoppage time.

Riyad Mahrez put Algeria 3-2 up in the 94th minute and looked to have settled the match. But Sasa Kalajdzic equalised in the 95th minute with the final touch of the game, completing a dramatic finish in Kansas City.

Late swing decides Group J

The draw meant Algeria and Austria finished the group stage level enough to advance together, while Iran were left out on goal difference after the late Austrian equaliser.

Guardian reporting says Austria will face Spain in the next round, while Algeria will meet Switzerland.

What it means

The match ended a tense Group J finale in which qualification was still in play. The late scoring sequence, first Mahrez's apparent winner and then Kalajdzic's equaliser, decided both the group outcome and the knockout bracket.