Algeria and Austria draw and both advance to the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026; IR Iran eliminated

In a match full of twists and unusual moments, both the African and European sides secured their place in the knockout stage. Here are all the details.

Austria and Algeria delivered a tense and controversial conclusion to the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage in Kansas City. The 3–3 draw not only decided the final standings in Group J, but also set up Algeria against Switzerland in the Round of 32, while the Europeans will face Spain in the same knockout round. With this result, both teams advance, while the Islamic Republic of Iran are eliminated.

FIRST HALF

The situation was clear: Argentina had already secured first place, while Jordan were eliminated, leaving only a direct battle for second place and the remaining qualification spots.

The breakthrough came in the 28th minute, when Marko Arnautović latched onto a long pass from David Alaba and finished with composure, capitalizing on a hesitant Algerian goalkeeper. The 1–0 lead seemed to put Austria in control, but Algeria responded with character.

They first threatened through Rafik Belghali and Fares Chaïbi, before Belghali eventually found the equalizer. After a Messi-like solo run, a chaotic rebound involving the corner flag and a clever touch from Riyad Mahrez, he unleashed a powerful finish past Alexander Schlager to make it 1–1.

From there, the match became a back-and-forth affair, played at a controlled tempo, with both sides leaving enough space to hint at a more open second half.

SECOND-HALF DRAMA

Austria struck again immediately after the restart. Konrad Laimer broke down the right and set up Marcel Sabitzer, who finished calmly to restore the lead at 2–1.

But Algeria refused to fade. The creativity of Houssem Aouar unlocked the equalizer, as his individual run down the left ended in an assist for Mahrez, who made it 2–2 in the 60th minute.

The final stretch turned into a chaotic swing of emotions. Just when the draw seemed inevitable, Mahrez struck again in the 93rd minute to complete the comeback and make it 3–2, briefly reshaping the group standings. Yet Austria had one last answer: Saša Kalajdžić scored in the 96th minute to level it at 3–3 in a finish that felt almost unreal and split opinions.

Austria finish second in the group and will face Spain in Los Angeles, a matchup with plenty of history despite few recent official meetings. Algeria qualify as one of the best third-placed teams and will meet Switzerland in Vancouver. Meanwhile, Islamic Republic of Iran bow out of the tournament.