Austria Sets Up Spain Clash After the Wildest Ending of the World Cup

Austria appeared eliminated in the 93rd minute after Riyad Mahrez’s late goal, only for Sasa Kalajdzic to rescue a dramatic draw three minutes later and send both Austria and Algeria into the knockout stage.

Austria booked a Round of 32 showdown against Spain after one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 3-3 draw against Algeria sent both nations through to the knockout stage, but only after six unforgettable minutes of stoppage time.

The match began cautiously, with both teams prioritizing tactical discipline over attacking ambition. Chances were limited and the contest resembled a chess match rather than a World Cup encounter.

The deadlock was broken in the 28th minute when Austria captain Marko Arnautovic controlled a long pass behind the defense and beat the goalkeeper with an awkward but effective finish. The goal temporarily eliminated Algeria.

The Desert Foxes responded before halftime. After several dangerous attacks, Belghali produced a moment of brilliance, dribbling past defenders inside the penalty area before curling his shot into the top corner to level the score at 1-1.

Austria regained the advantage shortly after the break. Marcel Sabitzer finished powerfully after excellent work down the right flank from Laimer, restoring his side's lead and once again placing Algeria on the brink of elimination.

However, Algeria answered immediately. A superb individual run by Aouar created space inside the box before he squared the ball for Riyad Mahrez, who finished at the far post to make it 2-2.

As the match entered stoppage time, both teams appeared content with the draw that would qualify them both. The pace slowed, possession circulated harmlessly, and the expected outcome seemed inevitable.

Then came the chaos.

In the 93rd minute, Aouar delivered a perfectly timed pass behind the defense and Mahrez calmly finished across goalkeeper Schlager to give Algeria a 3-2 lead. Austria, suddenly, were heading home.

But the Austrians refused to surrender.

Deep into stoppage time, a desperate cross into the penalty area was headed back across goal by Gregoritsch, allowing Sasa Kalajdzic to head home the equalizer in the 96th minute.

The dramatic goal rescued Austria's World Cup campaign and secured a Round of 32 meeting with Spain, while Algeria also advanced after surviving one of the tournament's most chaotic conclusions.

What had begun as a cautious tactical battle ended as one of the most unforgettable matches of the 2026 World Cup, proving once again that football can change everything in a matter of seconds.