Algeria 3-3 Austria – group stage, Group J result.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued its opening drama on 28 June at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. In Group J, hosts Algeria faced Austria in a match that promised goals and delivered six, ending in a high-scoring draw that left both sides still in contention for the next round of the tournament.

How it unfolded

The first notable incident came early, when Austria’s Marko Arnautovic received a yellow card in the 11th minute for a bad foul. The booking did not dampen his influence, as he soon turned the tide for Austria. In the 28th minute, Arnautovic opened the scoring with a right-footed strike from the centre of the box that slipped into the bottom right corner, after a precise through ball from David Alaba set him free.

Algeria responded just before the half-time whistle. Rafik Belghali, operating in the centre of the box, unleashed a left-footed shot that found the top right corner in the 45th minute, restoring parity and giving the home side a morale boost heading into the break.

The second half began with Austria reclaiming the lead five minutes in. Marcel Sabitzer, positioned outside the box, fired a right-footed shot to the top right corner in the 55th minute. His effort was the product of a well-timed pass from Konrad Laimer, who provided the assist.

Algeria’s answer was swift. Riyad Mahrez, assisted by Houssem Aouar, struck from the centre of the box with his left foot in the 60th minute, sending the ball into the top right corner and leveling the score at 2-2. Mahrez’s movement and Aouar’s through ball highlighted Algeria’s attacking intent.

The match remained tightly contested until the final minutes. In stoppage time, Mahrez completed his brace. In the 90+3 minute, he again found the centre of the box, this time shooting with his right foot to the bottom left corner, following another through ball from Aouar. The goal gave Algeria a 3-2 lead and seemed to seal the match.

However, Austria persisted. Six minutes later, in the 90+6 minute, Sasa Kalajdzic headed the ball from a centre by Michael Gregoritsch into the bottom right corner, restoring equality at 3-3. The late equaliser ensured the game finished level, providing a dramatic conclusion to a match that saw the lead change hands three times.

Standout performers

  • Marko Arnautovic (Austria) – opened the scoring and earned a yellow card early in the game.
  • David Alaba (Austria) – supplied the decisive through ball for the 28th-minute goal.
  • Rafik Belghali (Algeria) – netted the equaliser before half-time.
  • Marcel Sabitzer (Austria) – scored the second Austrian goal from distance.
  • Konrad Laimer (Austria) – provided the assist for Sabitzer’s strike.
  • Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – the match’s top scorer with two goals, both assisted by Aouar.
  • Houssem Aouar (Algeria) – created both of Mahrez’s goals with incisive through balls.
  • Sasa Kalajdzic (Austria) – headed the final goal to secure the draw.
  • Michael Gregoritsch (Austria) – delivered the headed pass that led to Kalajdzic’s header.

Match facts

  • Final score: Algeria 3-3 Austria
  • Goals:
    • Algeria – Rafik Belghali (45'), Riyad Mahrez (60', 90'+3')
    • Austria – Marko Arnautovic (28'), Marcel Sabitzer (55'), Sasa Kalajdzic (90'+6')
  • Assists: David Alaba (28'), Konrad Laimer (55'), Houssem Aouar (60', 90'+3'), Michael Gregoritsch (90'+6')
  • Bookings: Marko Arnautovic (Austria) – yellow card, 11'
  • Venue: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

What it means

The 3-3 draw keeps both Algeria and Austria alive in the Group J campaign of the FIFA World Cup 2026, leaving the next set of group fixtures crucial for each side’s hopes of advancing to the knockout phase.