4 takeaways from a dramatic finish between Austria and Algeria in the Group J final

In what was the most dramatic ending to a 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match, Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday evening.

For most of the second half, Austria and Algeria settled for a 2-2 draw and apparently did not want to take any further risks, knowing that the result would see both teams through.

But then, in stoppage time, Algeria took the lead thanks to a very surprising and high quality move into the Austrian box and an emphatic finish. Austria now faced elimination, with only about two minutes left to equalize.

Against all odds, Austria succeeded thanks to Sasa Kalajdzic, who scored less than a minute after coming on. Austria and Algeria are both qualified, but what a crazy adventure.

Here are my thoughts on perhaps the most dramatic match of the group stage.

1. Craziest ending of the tournament

From around the 70th minute, both teams seemed content to play to a draw, knowing they would advance. Algeria made passes without showing any interest in moving forward. It was very boring and the crowd was whistling loudly.

Then, in stoppage time, things changed with two dramatic episodes that affected three teams. Austria completely lost concentration while Algeria looked like they would just finish the match, settling for a draw. But a channel opened up on the right side, and left winger Houssem Aouar moved to the right side, overloading that side with the ball. He then side-footed a ball through the defensive line towards Riyad Mahrez for what appeared to be a dramatic winner.

At that time, Algeria was second, Austria third but eliminated, and Iran could have qualified for the round of 16.

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick had another substitution to make with seconds remaining. He turned to 6’7 forward Sasa Kalajdzic to move forward and look for a miracle.

This happened just a second after coming on. A long ball was played into the box and Michael Gregoritsch, who entered the match at half-time, crossed into the goal of Sasa Kalajdzic, who then headed home a dramatic equalizer with his first touch of the match.

Then, just minutes after being eliminated, Austria was back in the round of 16, while Algeria and Iran were eliminated.

Of course, Austria needs another miracle when they face Spain in the round of 16. But facing Spain is much better than being eliminated, and Austria should play freely and lose until the end. After this ending, Rangnick and company play with the house money.

2. Algeria was excellent on a global scale

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Algeria’s two goals were scored thanks to great individual efforts from both wings. That’s usually been a strength for this team, and tonight it produced in a big way.

Algeria equalized for the first time in the 45th minute when a long ball was played down the right side. Austrian left-back Phillipp Mwene was surprised when the ball hit the corner flag. He and the Algerian winger collected the ball from Riyad Mahrez, but it instead rolled to right-back Rafik Belghali, who then danced around two Austrian defenders to fire a shot past Alexander Schlager.

Algeria’s second equalizer was the result of explosive play on the left side. Left winger Houssem Aouar collected the ball on the wing outside the area. He then dribbled easily past Austrian fullback Stefan Posch, then sent a low pass across the goal for 35-year-old captain Riyad Mahrez to finish.

The third goal was also the result of some excellent play from the wingers as Aouar moved from the left to the right and combined again with Mahrez for what seemed at the time to be the winner.

Even beyond the goals, Algeria was able to be systematically dangerous on the wings throughout this match. Algerian coach Vladimir Petkovic allowed his team to exploit their strengths well in this match. Expect this to be part of the team’s game plan in the Round of 16.

3. The Algerian goalkeeper remains a problem

(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

In Algeria’s first two matches, goalkeeper Luca Zidane did not play. Against Argentina, he made a save but needlessly coughed up a rebound that bounced straight to Lionel Messi for a goal. Even though Algeria beat Jordan, Zidane conceded a goal on a shot he should have been able to save.

For this reason, Petkovic made a goalkeeper change for Austria and decided to start Osama Benbot. Benbot, 31, has played his entire career for Algerian clubs and has only five caps with the national team.

Benbot did not respond well and made a mistake on Marko Arnautovic’s opening goal when he froze to release a long ball into the box. Benbot could have played and didn’t. Instead, Arnautovic managed to get on the end of the pass and beat Benbot close to goal.

For Algeria, this is a huge problem ahead of the knockout stages because it’s hard to imagine the team having much confidence in their goalkeeper, whether it’s Zindane or Benbot.

4. Austrian senior statesmen prosper

(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

For Austria, the team benefited from excellent performances from its seniors throughout the group stage. Tonight against Algeria, the veterans produced significantly.

On the opening goal in the 28th minute, Real Madrid defender David Alaba, 34, sent a long ball into the box for the national team’s all-time leading scorer, Marko Arnautovic, 37, who scored his 49th career international goal.

On the second goal, Bayern Munich winger Konrad Laimer, 29, put Marcel Sabitzer in the middle for a powerful finish. For Sabitzer, 32, the goal came one match after winning his 100th cap in the defeat to Argentina.

The dramatic equalizer at the end which saved the team’s World Cup campaign was achieved by Gregoritsch, 32, who was making his 77th cap.

These players all have extensive experience with this team and each other. Austria benefited enormously from this. Against Spain, the team will likely have to continue to draw on this experience.