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Algeria and Austria may prefer to lose last group game in World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 8:15 PM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Algeria and Austria may prefer to lose last group game in World Cup

Summary

Algeria faces Austria in Kansas City on Sunday for their final Group J match. With Argentina already qualified and Jordan eliminated, both teams may benefit from losing. The winner could face Spain in the knockout stage, while finishing third might provide an easier route. This scenario highlights criticism of FIFA's 48-team expansion, which has created opportunities for third-placed teams to advance unnecessarily. Both teams are expected to focus on avoiding a difficult fixture in the next round.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Algeria and Austria play final Group J game on June 30
•Argentina has already qualified, Jordan is eliminated
•Winning could lead to facing Spain in the next round
•Criticism arises over FIFA's 48-team tournament structure
•Third-placed teams now have a higher chance to progress

Latest Updates

8:15 PMYahoo Sports — Why two World Cup nations will actively want to lose last group game due to FIFA rule change

What they're saying

"
There could be a strange atmosphere when Algeria play Austria in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday. The two meet in Kansas City for their final game in Group J, but both teams might actually prefer to lose it.
— Yahoo Sports

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Sporting Kansas City FIFA World Cup Soccer