Austria and Algeria played out one of the biggest thrilling game of the group stage at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday, June 28 at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City. The result was good enough for both sides to progress to the Round of 32 stage, while Iran faced elimination.
Best game so far in FIFA World Cup 2026?
Austria made the first move with experienced forward Marko Arnautovic managed to give an early lead. However, Algeria found their way back before half-time when Rafik Belghali smashed an equaliser, although it came with luck.
Austria's star midfielder Marcel Sabitzer once again displayed his class with a superb finish, but Algeria refused to give up as Riyad Mahrez restored the parity with his brilliance just moments later. With the game going towards a draw that suited both sides, there were moments of absolute chills during the dying stages of the game.
However it seemed that Riyad Mahrez sealed the game for Algeri with a stoppage time goal, Only for substitute Sasa Kaljdziz to snatch a dramatic late equaliser with a towering header. The thrilling draw saw both teams finish their group campaign with four points and qualify for the Round of 32 behind Group J winners Argentina.
Austria have managed to pull off a big feat, as they have reached the FIFA World Cup Knockouts for the first time since the 2014 edition which took place in Brazil.
What is next for Algeria and Austria in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
In the Round of 32, Algeria will lock horns against Switzerland, meanwhile second-placed Austria face a tough challenge against Spain. Before the game, much of the talk revolved around whether either side would try to avoid finishing second, as that route meant locking horns against Spain.