Algeria and Austria played out a remarkable 3-3 draw in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday, with Riyad Mahrez appearing to have won it through his 90+3′ goal before Sasa Kalajdzic rescued Austria with a 90+6′ header. In a fixture already building a reputation as one of the tournament’s most compelling group-stage contests, the late swing made this another unforgettable chapter.
There had been warning signs early that Austria would be dangerous whenever they broke forward, even though Algeria controlled long stretches of possession. Vladimir Petkovic’s side saw plenty of the ball at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, finishing with 65 percent possession and 12 shots, but Austria remained compact and purposeful, waiting for moments to release their attacking players into space.
Austria struck first in the 28th minute when Marko Arnautovic found the breakthrough. It was a valuable reward for a disciplined opening spell from the Europeans, who did not need much of the ball to make their moments count. Arnautovic, already booked in the 11th minute, still managed to provide the cutting edge Austria needed in front of goal.
Algeria’s response arrived at an ideal time. Deep in first-half stoppage time, Rafik Belghali levelled in the 45th minute to make it 1-1 at the interval. The equaliser shifted the mood of the match and ensured Algeria went into the dressing room with momentum after spending much of the first half probing for openings.
The second half continued in the same lively rhythm. Austria regained the lead in the 55th minute through Marcel Sabitzer, whose goal again underlined his side’s efficiency. Yet Algeria answered quickly once more. Just five minutes later, Mahrez made it 2-2 in the 60th minute, capping another spell of territorial pressure from the North Africans.
From there, Algeria looked the more likely side to find a winner. Their attacking sequences became more sustained, and their control in midfield increasingly pinned Austria back. The debate around this fixture before kick-off centred on whether Algeria’s technical quality could unsettle Austria’s structure over 90 minutes, and for long stretches that proved true. Algeria created 10 shot assists to Austria’s six and kept the ball moving with greater confidence across the pitch.
It seemed that pressure had finally told in the 90+3rd minute when Mahrez struck again. His second goal of the night put Algeria 3-2 ahead and looked set to deliver a dramatic victory, the kind of late World Cup moment that can define a group. Instead, Austria produced one final response. In the 90+6th minute, substitute Sasa Kalajdzic rose to head home and bring the match level at 3-3, silencing any thoughts of an Algerian celebration and securing a point that Austria had continued to chase.
Key performers
Mahrez was the standout figure for Algeria, scoring in the 60th and 90+3rd minutes and repeatedly giving his side quality in decisive areas. Belghali’s 45th-minute equaliser was also crucial, arriving at a moment that kept Algeria firmly in the contest.
For Austria, Arnautovic opened the scoring in the 28th minute, Sabitzer restored the lead in the 55th minute, and Kalajdzic delivered the defining late intervention with his 90+6th-minute header. Austria managed only three shots on target, but every effort they placed on frame found the net, a reflection of their ruthless finishing.
NerdSports Stat: Austria scored all three of their goals from just three shots on target, while Algeria became the first side in this Group J fixture list to score twice after the 60th minute and still not take all three points.
In table terms, the draw leaves both sides with balanced 1-1-1 records after three matches, a fair reflection of a contest neither fully deserved to lose. Algeria may feel they let victory slip after Mahrez’s stoppage-time strike, while Austria will take confidence from finding a way back at the very end.
Looking ahead, both managers will see reasons for encouragement and concern. Algeria’s possession play and chance creation were strong, but their inability to close out the final moments proved costly. Austria, meanwhile, showed resilience and attacking efficiency, though they spent long periods without the ball. In a group stage where margins are narrow, this point could yet carry real significance when the final standings are settled and the next round picture becomes clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Algeria: Rafik Belghali 45′, Riyad Mahrez 60′ and 90’+3′. Austria: Marko Arnautovic 28′, Marcel Sabitzer 55′, Sasa Kalajdzic 90’+6′.
Algeria 3 – 3 Austria.
The draw leaves both Algeria and Austria on 1-1-1 records in Group J, keeping the table tight and the qualification picture finely balanced.
Riyad Mahrez was the standout performer with two goals, scoring in the 60th and 90’+3′ minutes.
