World Cup 2026: Algeria in 4-3-3 against Austria’s 4-2-3-1 with Mahrez and Arnautović starting

Algeria and Austria have confirmed their starting lineups for their 2026 World Cup Group J match at Arrowhead Stadium, with Riyad Mahrez and Marko Arnautović both starting.

Henry DONCHE

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On 28 Jun 2026 at 02:35 Updated 28 Jun 2026

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Illustration du match Algérie VS Autriche, le 28/06/2026 03:00, stade Arrowhead Stadium

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The starting lineups for Algeria and Austria have now been confirmed for their Group J clash at the 2026 World Cup. The match will take place on June 28 at 3:00 GMT+1 at Arrowhead Stadium, with play set to begin in a group stage where the picture remains open.

Algeria line up in a 4-3-3 formation under Vladimir Petkovic to make the most of the attacking potential around Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri and Farès Chaïbi. This setup is designed to favor a fluid and dynamic attack, with a balanced midfield represented by Houssem Aouar, Nabil Bentaleb and Ibrahim Maza.

For Austria, coach Ralf Rangnick opts for a 4-2-3-1 system, with Marko Arnautović leading the line in a team strengthened by the notable presence of David Alaba in defense and Marcel Sabitzer in the creative role. This structure is intended to establish a solid block while maintaining multiple attacking options.

Both teams are looking to consolidate their position in this group, shaped by Algeria’s win over Jordan and Austria’s defeat against Argentina, making this match a key step for their qualification ambitions.

Reading Algeria’s lineup

Algeria rely on a 4-3-3 with Oussama Benbot in goal. The defensive line consists of Rafik Belghali, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini and Jaouen Hadjam, ensuring full coverage. The midfield brings together Houssem Aouar, Nabil Bentaleb and Ibrahim Maza, combining creativity and solidity.

In attack, Riyad Mahrez plays a key role on the right flank, with Amine Gouiri through the middle and Farès Chaïbi on the left flank. This attacking trident emphasizes pace and individual technique to break through opposing defenses.

In reserve, the team has additional goalkeepers Melvin Mastil and Luca Zidane, as well as several defenders such as Achref Abada and Mohamed Tougai. Hicham Boudaoui and Ramiz Zerrouki also provide options in midfield, while Adil Boulbina and Anis Hadj Moussa complete the alternative attacking resources.

Reading Austria’s lineup

Austria are built around a 4-2-3-1 shape with Alexander Schlager in goal. The defense includes Stefan Posch, Philipp Lienhart, David Alaba and Phillipp Mwene. The midfield double pivot is held by Nicolas Seiwald and Xaver Schlager.

Romano Schmid, Konrad Laimer and Marcel Sabitzer make up the line of three attacking midfielders, with Marko Arnautović alone up front. This setup allows the team to combine defensive balance with quick transitions into attack.

On the bench, several players such as Michael Gregoritsch and Saša Kalajdžić can provide attacking solutions, while Patrick Pentz and Florian Wiegele fill the role of additional goalkeepers.

The starting lineups

Algeria

System4-3-3Head coachVladimir Petkovic

Starters11

16 Oussama Benbot Goalkeeper
17 Rafik Belghali Defender
2 Aïssa Mandi Defender
21 Ramy Bensebaini Defender
13 Jaouen Hadjam Defender
8 Houssem Aouar Midfielder
19 Nabil Bentaleb Midfielder
22 Ibrahim Maza Midfielder
7 Riyad Mahrez Forward
9 Amine Gouiri Forward
10 Farès Chaïbi Forward

Substitutes14

1 Melvin Mastil
23 Luca Zidane
3 Achref Abada
4 Mohamed Tougai
5 Zineddine Belaid
15 Rayan Aït-Nouri
26 Samir Sophian Chergui
6 Ramiz Zerrouki
14 Hicham Boudaoui
24 Yassine Titraoui
11 Anis Hadj Moussa
20 Adil Boulbina
12 Ahmed Nadhir Benbouali
25 Farès Ghedjemis

Austria

System4-2-3-1Head coachRalf Rangnick

Starters11

1 Alexander Schlager Goalkeeper
5 Stefan Posch Defender
15 Philipp Lienhart Defender
8 David Alaba Defender
16 Phillipp Mwene Defender
6 Nicolas Seiwald Midfielder
4 Xaver Schlager Midfielder
18 Romano Schmid Midfielder
20 Konrad Laimer Midfielder
9 Marcel Sabitzer Midfielder
7 Marko Arnautović Forward

Substitutes15

12 Florian Wiegele
13 Patrick Pentz
2 David Affengruber
3 Kevin Danso
23 Marco Friedl
25 Michael Svoboda
10 Florian Grillitsch
17 Carney Chukwuemeka
19 Dejan Ljubičić
22 Alexander Prass
24 Paul Wanner
26 Alessandro Schöpf
21 Patrick Wimmer
11 Michael Gregoritsch
14 Saša Kalajdžić

Algeria

Second half 53' 1-1 Arrowhead Stadium

Austria

28/06/2026 03:00 Group J

Fil du match

11'Carton jaune - M. ArnautovicAutriche, 11e
28'But - M. Arnautovic (passe D. Alaba)Autriche, 28e
45'But - R. BelghaliAlgérie, 45e
46'Remplacement - M. Arnautovic (remplace M. Gregoritsch)Autriche, 46e
46'Remplacement - X. Schlager (remplace F. Grillitsch)Autriche, 46e
46'Remplacement - R. Schmid (remplace P. Wanner)Autriche, 46e

Group J schedule

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Group J

Team	J	G	P	BP	BC	Diff	Pts
Argentina	2	2	0	5	0	5	6
Austria	2	1	1	3	3	0	3
Algeria	2	1	1	2	4	-2	3
Jordan	2	0	2	2	5	-3	0