Mahrez and Algeria Reach World Cup Last 32 But Austria Deny Them Group Stage Victory in Six-Goal Classic

Algeria and Austria have both advanced to the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a breathtaking 3-3 draw in their final Group J encounter at Kansas City Stadium. The result means the Desert Foxes have reached the knockout stages of a World Cup for only the second time in their history, having previously done so at Brazil 2014.

It appeared Algeria would progress at Austria's expense when their captain Riyad Mahrez struck in the third minute of stoppage time to make it 3-2. However, substitute Sasa Kalajdzic bundled home an equaliser in the dying moments to ensure both sides went through, with Argentina already confirmed as group winners.

How the Goals Fell

Austria drew first blood through Marko Arnautovic, who finished neatly under the goalkeeper in the 28th minute. Algeria levelled in unusual circumstances — the ball cannoned off a corner flag and fell to Mahrez, who laid it off for Rafik Belghali to weave through the defence and equalise. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's lead early in the second half with a composed first-time finish from 18 yards, but Houssem Aouar set up Mahrez to level again within five minutes before the Algerian winger's stoppage-time strike and Kalajdzic's last-gasp reply completed the remarkable contest.

What It Means for Both Sides

Austria finished as Group J runners-up and will face Spain at Los Angeles Stadium on 2 July — their first appearance in the knockout rounds since the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Algeria, who finished among the eight best third-placed teams, will take on Switzerland in Vancouver on the same date.

For Ghanaian football fans watching the continental picture closely, Algeria's progression is a significant moment for African football at this World Cup, reinforcing the growing competitiveness of CAF nations on the global stage.