World Cup 2026: Algeria and Austria play out spectacular 3-3 draw

The World Cup 2026 Group J match between Algeria and Austria ended in a 3-3 draw at Arrowhead Stadium on June 27, 2026. It was a match full of twists and turns, with both teams taking the lead in turn without being able to separate themselves, a result that leaves Algeria third in the group and eliminated from the competition.

The two countries had come into the match with similar but contrasting records — Algeria were coming off a 2-1 win over Jordan, while Austria had just lost 0-2 to Argentina. The stakes were therefore high in this final group match in the hope of qualifying, especially as all the teams in the group were separated by a narrow points gap.

The match started at a high tempo, marked by a yellow card for Marko Arnautović as early as the 11th minute. Austria opened the scoring in the 28th minute thanks to a finish from the Austrian centre-forward, set up by David Alaba. Algeria came back in first-half stoppage time through defender Rafik Belghali, ensuring a 1-1 scoreline at the break.

The second half saw the attacking intensity increase on both sides. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead in the 55th minute, before Riyad Mahrez, with support from Houssem Aouar, responded in the 60th minute. Mahrez became a central figure by scoring twice, his second coming at the very end of the match (90+3), again from an Aouar assist.

At the very end of the game, in an electric atmosphere, Saša Kalajdžić equalised for Austria in the 90+6. The 3-3 result reflected the intensity and balance that prevailed throughout the match.

Algeria in a 4-2-3-1 and the dual influence of Mahrez and Aouar

Under Vladimir Petković, Algeria lined up in a 4-2-3-1 system with Oussama Benbot in goal and a defence made up of Rafik Belghali, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini and Jaouen Hadjam. The defensive midfield pair consisted of Farès Chaïbi and Nabil Bentaleb, while the attacking line relied on the trio of Riyad Mahrez, Houssem Aouar and Ibrahim Maza, with Amine Gouiri up front.

Riyad Mahrez had a major impact on the match with his two goals and constant involvement in the play, supported by Houssem Aouar, who provided two assists. Rafik Belghali was decisive as well, scoring a crucial goal before the break and remaining solid defensively until his substitution in the 71st minute. Algeria’s bench brought fresh energy with second-half introductions such as those of Amine Gouiri and Jaouen Hadjam.

Austria in a 4-2-3-1 with the efficiency of Arnautović and Sabitzer

Also lined up in a 4-2-3-1 by head coach Ralf Rangnick, Austria had Alexander Schlager in goal, protected by Stefan Posch, Philipp Lienhart, David Alaba and Phillipp Mwene. The midfield was occupied by Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager, while the attacking line featured Konrad Laimer, Romano Schmid and Marcel Sabitzer, with Marko Arnautović as the focal point.

Marko Arnautović, despite an early yellow card, stood out with his goal in the 28th minute before being replaced at the break. Marcel Sabitzer underlined his importance by scoring in the 55th minute, assisted by Konrad Laimer. Saša Kalajdžić’s efforts at the very end of the match allowed Austria to snatch a crucial point. David Alaba drove the team forward from the start, providing an assist and forcing Algeria to react quickly.

This draw leaves Algeria third in Group J with three points, eliminated on goal difference. Austria, also on three points, qualify for the knockout stage behind Argentina, who finished top of the group. This spectacular match confirmed the intensity of this group stage, full of suspense until the very end.

Algeria

Finished 3-3 Arrowhead Stadium

Austria

28/06/2026 03:00 · Group J

Fil du match

1. 11'Carton jaune - M. ArnautovicAutriche, 11e
2. 28'⚽But - M. Arnautovic (passe D. Alaba)Autriche, 28e
3. 45'⚽But - R. BelghaliAlgérie, 45e
4. 46'↑↓Remplacement - M. Arnautovic (remplace M. Gregoritsch)Autriche, 46e
5. 46'↑↓Remplacement - X. Schlager (remplace F. Grillitsch)Autriche, 46e
6. 46'↑↓Remplacement - R. Schmid (remplace P. Wanner)Autriche, 46e
7. 55'⚽But - M. Sabitzer (passe K. Laimer)Autriche, 55e
8. 60'⚽But - R. Mahrez (passe H. Aouar)Algérie, 60e
9. 62'↑↓Remplacement - D. Alaba (remplace K. Danso)Autriche, 62e
10. 71'↑↓Remplacement - J. Hadjam (remplace R. Ait-Nouri)Algérie, 71e
11. 71'↑↓Remplacement - A. Gouiri (remplace Z. Belaid)Algérie, 71e
12. 71'↑↓Remplacement - R. Belghali (remplace S. Chergui)Algérie, 71e
13. 90+3'⚽But - R. Mahrez (passe H. Aouar)Algérie, 90+3e
14. 90+4'↑↓Remplacement - H. Aouar (remplace F. Ghedjemis)Algérie, 90+4e
15. 90+5'↑↓Remplacement - P. Mwene (remplace S. Kalajdzic)Autriche, 90+5e
16. 90+6'⚽But - S. Kalajdzic (passe M. Gregoritsch)Autriche, 90+6e

Les chiffres du match

• Tirs cadres : Algeria 5 / Austria 2
• Tirs : Algeria 12 / Austria 9
• Possession : Algeria 65% / Austria 35%
• Corners : Algeria 0 / Austria 3
• Fautes : Algeria 3 / Austria 7
• Cartons jaunes : Algeria 0 / Austria 1
• Passes : Algeria 754 / Austria 396
• Precision des passes : Algeria 94% / Austria 87%
• xG : Algeria 1.59 / Austria 1.18

Joueurs clés

• Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) : note 9.3, 2 but(s)
• Houssem Aouar (Algeria) : note 7.3, 2 passe(s) decisive(s)
• Marko Arnautović (Austria) : note 7.3, 1 but(s), 1 carton(s) jaune(s)
• Rafik Belghali (Algeria) : note 7.5, 1 but(s)
• Marcel Sabitzer (Austria) : note 7.3, 1 but(s)

Group J schedule

View full schedule

View match details for Argentina - Algeria

17/06 Group J

Argentina

Finished 3-0 Arrowhead Stadium

Algeria

View match details for Austria - Jordan

17/06 Group J

Austria

Finished 3-1 Levi's Stadium

Jordan

View match details for Argentina - Austria

22/06 Group J

Argentina

Finished 2-0 AT&T Stadium

Austria

View match details for Jordan - Algeria

23/06 Group J

Jordan

Finished 1-2 Levi's Stadium

Algeria

View match details for Algeria - Austria

28/06 Group J

Algeria

Finished 3-3 Arrowhead Stadium

Austria

View match details for Jordan - Argentina

28/06 Group J

Jordan

Finished 1-3 AT&T Stadium

Argentina