Austria and Algeria played to a 3-3 draw on Sunday in their final Group J match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a result that ensured both teams advanced to the tournament’s round of 32. The match took place in Kansas City, Missouri. Austria’s Sasa Kalajdzic scored a dramatic equalizer in second-half stoppage time, salvaging a point that allowed Austria to progress alongside Algeria.

Austria entered the match needing at least a draw to avoid elimination. Along with Kalajdzic's late goal, Austria’s tally included strikes from Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer. The team finished second in the group with a record of one win, one loss, and one draw, accumulating four points. Austria will face Spain in the round of 32, with that match scheduled for Thursday in Inglewood, California.

Algeria, who also recorded one win, one loss, and one draw for four points, was propelled forward based on their standing as one of the top eight third-place finishers across all groups. Riyad Mahrez contributed two goals for Algeria, while Rafik Belghali also found the net. Their round of 32 opponent will be Switzerland, with the fixture set for Thursday in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The late goal by Austria prevented Algeria from securing the victory that would have paired them against Spain in the next round and eliminated Austria from the tournament. Additionally, Austria’s equalizer brought Iran’s World Cup campaign to an end.

With both teams advancing under these circumstances, the final Group J standings were determined by goal differential, ultimately placing Austria ahead of Algeria. The upcoming knockout matches will see Austria take on one of the tournament’s traditional powerhouses, while Algeria aims to continue their World Cup run against a strong Swiss side.