Austria and Algeria qualify for knockout stage after late drama

BBC Sport1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 4:33 AM

Last updated Jun 28, 2026

Austria and Algeria qualify for knockout stage after late drama
Summary

Austria and Algeria secured their spots in the Round of 32 at the World Cup after a thrilling match on June 28, 2026. Sasa Kalajdzic's goal in injury time equalized the score, canceling out Riyad Mahrez's strike just minutes earlier. Marko Arnautovic had initially put Austria ahead, but Algeria responded quickly with a goal from Rafik Belghali. Austria regained the lead through Marcel Sabitzer, while Mahrez scored twice for Algeria. Austria finishes second in Group J and will face Spain, while Algeria qualifies as one of the best third-placed teams and will meet Switzerland.

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Status Watch
  • Austria qualifies for the Round of 32 after a dramatic match.
  • Sasa Kalajdzic scored in the 96th minute to equalize.
  • Austria finishes second in Group J; Algeria qualifies as a third-placed team.
  • Austria will face Spain, and Algeria will meet Switzerland in the next round.
  • The match featured twelve Bundesliga players, including significant contributions from both sides.
Latest Updates
  • 5:00 AMBBC SportAlgeria and Austria both qualify for last 32 after dramatic injury-time goals
  • 4:33 AMYahoo SportsWorld Cup: Austria and Algeria join Round of 32 after injury-time drama
What they're saying
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Austria are through to the Round of 32 after ex-Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic's 96th-minute goal cancelled out Riyad Mahrez's strike three minutes earlier for Algeria. The six-goal thriller was eno...

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Algeria and Austria each score injury-time goals in a 3-3 draw, a result which sees both sides qualify from Group J and into the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup.

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