Algeria and Austria booked their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after playing out a dramatic 3-3 draw in their final Group J match at Kansas City. Both teams secured the point they needed to advance, while Iran suffered a heartbreaking elimination despite remaining unbeaten in the tournament.

The match produced a sensational finish. Riyad Mahrez appeared to have won it for Algeria with a stoppage-time goal, but Austria substitute Sasa Kalajdzic scored a dramatic equaliser deep into added time to send both teams into the knockout stage.

Mahrez gives Algeria late hope before Kalajdzic responds

Austria twice took the lead during the match, but Algeria fought back on both occasions. The biggest drama came in stoppage time. Mahrez fired home in the 93rd minute to give Algeria a 3-2 lead. At that moment, Austria dropped out of the qualification places, while Iran moved into the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.

However, Austria responded almost immediately. Just 61 seconds after coming off the bench, Sasa Kalajdzic headed home in the 96th minute to rescue a 3-3 draw and spark wild celebrations among the Austrian players and fans. Austria also created history by becoming the first team to avoid defeat in a World Cup match after falling behind beyond the 90-minute mark.

Iran eliminated despite unbeaten campaign

The late equaliser crushed Iran's hopes of progressing. Iran finished the group stage without losing a match but exited the tournament after drawing all three group games. The team had already suffered heartbreak in its previous match when a late winner against Egypt was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

The dramatic finish in Kansas City confirmed Iran's elimination from the competition.

Match played in true sporting spirit

Before kick-off, both Algeria and Austria knew that a draw would send both teams into the knockout stage.

However, the match never resembled the infamous "Disgrace of Gijon" at the 1982 World Cup, when West Germany defeated Austria 1-0 in a result that eliminated Algeria and drew widespread criticism.

Instead, both teams attacked throughout the contest and produced an entertaining encounter filled with chances, goals and late drama.

Austria finished as Group J runners-up and will face Spain in the Round of 32. Algeria advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and will meet Switzerland in the knockout stage.

Austria strike first before Algeria respond

Both sides started aggressively and created early opportunities.

Austria broke the deadlock shortly after the first-half cooling break. David Alaba played a long pass over the defence, and Marko Arnautovic controlled the ball before beating goalkeeper Oussama Benbot with a low finish.

Algeria responded positively. Fares Chaibi struck the post with a powerful long-range effort before Rafik Belghali equalised just before halftime. He reacted quickly after the ball bounced back into play from the corner flag, created space inside the penalty area and smashed his shot into the roof of the net.

Goals continue after the break

Austria restored its lead ten minutes into the second half. Konrad Laimer cut the ball back from the byline, and Marcel Sabitzer finished first time from the edge of the box to make it 2-1.

Algeria responded again only five minutes later. Houssem Aouar produced an excellent run and cross, and Mahrez arrived at the far post to score the equaliser. Both teams pushed for a winner during the closing stages before the tempo slowed late in the match.

Stoppage-time drama changes everything

The game exploded into life again during added time. After a long spell of Algerian possession, Aouar slipped a pass into Mahrez inside the penalty area. The Manchester City legend drilled a low angled shot into the net in the 93rd minute to make it 3-2. The goal looked certain to send Algeria through as group runners-up while eliminating Austria. But Austria refused to surrender.

Kalajdzic entered the match in stoppage time and made an instant impact. He rose highest to head home the equaliser in the 96th minute and rescue Austria in extraordinary fashion. The goal ensured both teams reached the Round of 32 and completed one of the most dramatic finishes of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage.

Knockout stage awaits

Austria finished second in Group J and will face Spain in Los Angeles in the Round of 32.

Algeria qualified as one of the best third-placed teams and will take on Switzerland in Vancouver.