Austria and Algeria draw 3-3 to advance to KOs, send Iran home

Updated: Jun 28, 2026, 02:22 pm

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Austria and Algeria played out a thrilling 3-3 draw Saturday night in what amounted to a win-win result in their World Cup group-stage finale, allowing both to advance to the knockout round while eliminating Iran from the tournament.

The game was tied 2-all in the closing minutes, and Algeria looked as if it was content to run out the clock, when captain Riyad Mahrez scored his second goal with about a minute left in stoppage time. That put Austria on the verge of elimination, only for Sasa Kalajdzic to head home the equalizing goal moments later and rescue Austria's World Cup hopes.

Austria celebrate Sasa Kalajdzic's late equalizing goal against Algeria.
Austria celebrate Sasa Kalajdzic's late equalizing goal against Algeria.
Kyle Rivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer scored the first two goals for Austria, who finished second behind Argentina in Group J to advance for the first time since 1982. Their reward is a matchup with European champions Spain on Thursday in Los Angeles.

Rafik Belghali also scored for Les Fennecs, who became the ninth of 10 teams from Africa to advance. They finished third in the group but get a Round of 32 showdown with Switzerland on Thursday night in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Iran would have advanced as one of the eight best third-place teams had Austria or Algeria won.