Algeria 3-3 Austria Highlights, FIFA World Cup 2026: Six-Goal Thriller Ends All Square As Both Teams Reach Round Of 32

Greetings, we are back with our FIFA World Cup 2026 live blog as Algeria and Austria face-off in the Group J decider. The action is about to begin, so stay tuned for all the live updates from Kansas City Stadium.

Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026

Stage: Group Stage (Group J)

Kickoff Time: 10:00 PM local time (EDT) / 7:30 AM IST (on June 28)

Venue: Kansas City Stadium

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be telecast live on Unite8 Sports network on television. For live streaming, one can catch the action on the Zee5 app and website.

Benbot; Hadjam, Mandi, Bensebaini, Belghali, Aouar, Bentaleb, Chaibi, Maza, Mahrez (C), Gouiri

A. Schlager, Mwene, Alaba, Lienhart, Posch, X. Schlacger, Seiwald, Sabitzer, Schmid, Laimer, Arnautovic

We are underway in Kansas City! The Desert Foxes immediately look to seize the initiative, while Austria remain composed knowing a positive result could be enough to secure their place in the Round of 32. An intriguing battle awaits.

The referee calls for the first hydration break in Kansas City. It's been a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances, and the fans make their frustration heard as both sides struggle to find an attacking spark. Everything remains finely poised heading into the remainder of the first half.

Marko Arnautovic breaks the deadlock! David Alaba's superb long ball picks out the veteran striker, whose first touch isn't perfect but proves enough. Algeria goalkeeper Oussama Benbot hesitates off his line, allowing Arnautovic to poke the ball home for his first-ever FIFA World Cup goal. Austria strike first in this crucial Group J showdown.

What a sensational response from the Desert Foxes! Riyad Mahrez keeps the move alive near the corner flag before Rafik Belghali embarks on a dazzling run, gliding past several Austrian defenders and unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner. Alexander Schlager has absolutely no chance, and Algeria head into the break with a spectacular equaliser.

It's all square at the break after an entertaining first half in Kansas City. Marko Arnautović gave Austria the lead before Rafik Belghali produced a stunning solo effort to level the scores. Both sides looked dangerous after the equaliser, and with a place in the Round of 32 within reach, the second half promises plenty more drama. As it stands, both Algeria and Austria are on course to qualify, leaving Iran's World Cup hopes hanging by a thread.

We're back underway in Kansas City! Austria make a bold triple substitution at the break, with goalscorer Marko Arnautović among those withdrawn after picking up an early yellow card. Ralf Rangnick opts for fresh legs as both sides chase a crucial result in this finely balanced Group J showdown.

Austria hit back in devastating fashion! Konrad Laimer bursts down the right wing before cutting a superb pass to the edge of the box, where Marcel Sabitzer arrives unmarked and rifles a first-time finish beyond Oussama Benbot. It's a brilliantly worked counterattack from Das Team, who reclaim the lead and, as things stand, leap ahead in the race for the Round of 32 while Algeria slip out of the qualification spots.

The Desert Foxes roar back once again, and it's their captain who delivers! Houssem Aouar slices through the Austrian defence with a brilliant run before picking out Riyad Mahrez in acres of space. The former Manchester City star keeps his composure and curls a clinical finish into the top corner, leaving Alexander Schlager rooted to the spot. Algeria are level once more, and with this dramatic equaliser, their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 are alive again.

Unbelievable scenes in Kansas City! Riyad Mahrez has surely delivered the goal that could send the Desert Foxes into the Round of 32. Houssem Aouar threads another inch-perfect pass through a sleeping Austrian defence, and Mahrez races clear before coolly slotting past Alexander Schlager. Algeria lead for the first time all night, the stadium erupts, and the Desert Foxes are moments away from a famous World Cup victory.

Incredible drama in Kansas City! Just when it looked like Algeria had snatched a famous victory, Austria strike at the death. A hopeful cross from the right sparks chaos in the box, Michael Gregoritsch keeps the move alive with a desperate header before Saša Kalajdžić nods home from point-blank range, leaving Oussama Benbot rooted to the spot. Heartbreak for the Desert Foxes, jubilation for Das Team, and this astonishing Group J thriller is level once again deep into stoppage time.

What an unforgettable finish to a breathtaking Group J classic! Algeria looked destined for a famous victory after Riyad Mahrez completed his late brace, only for Saša Kalajdžić to snatch a dramatic equaliser with virtually the last touch of the game. Six goals, relentless twists, and non-stop drama, this had everything. The draw is enough for both the Desert Foxes and Das Team to book their places in the Round of 32, while Iran's World Cup journey comes to a heartbreaking end. Kansas City has witnessed one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament so far.