Algeria and Austria delivered one of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, producing a breathtaking finale that saw both sides secure qualification for the knockout stages while Iran suffered heartbreak.
In a game packed with twists, tension, and late drama, both teams got the exact point they needed in a pulsating 3-3 draw in Kansas City.
Austria looked to be heading out of the tournament when Riyad Mahrez struck deep into stoppage time to put Algeria 3-2 ahead in the 93rd minute. At that moment, Iran were set to progress as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
But football had one final twist.
Just three minutes later, substitute Sasa Kalajdzic rose highest to head home a dramatic equaliser in the 96th minute, sparking wild celebrations among Austrian fans and players.
That late goal not only rescued Austria but also made history — they became the first team ever to avoid defeat in a World Cup match after falling behind beyond the 90th minute.
For Iran, the pain was even greater. After drawing all three group games and remaining unbeaten, they were eliminated in cruel fashion. Their fate was already hanging by a thread after a late winner against Egypt was ruled out for offside by VAR earlier in the tournament.
Despite both Algeria and Austria knowing that a draw would send them through, there was none of the controversy associated with the infamous Disgrace of Gijón — the notorious 1982 match between Austria and West Germany where both sides played out a result that eliminated Algeria.
This time, there was no such lack of effort.
The game started brightly, with both teams attacking early, but it was Austria who struck first. Marko Arnautovic latched onto a brilliant long ball from David Alaba before firing past Algeria goalkeeper Oussama Benbot.
Algeria responded strongly, hitting the post through Fares Chaibi before Rafik Belghali smashed home the equaliser just before halftime.
Austria regained the lead after the break when Marcel Sabitzer finished brilliantly from a cut-back by Konrad Laimer.
But Algeria refused to back down.
Mahrez struck again, finishing at the far post after excellent work from Houssem Aouar to level the score at 2-2.
As the game entered its final moments, the intensity seemed to fade, but then came the chaos.
Mahrez looked to have delivered the perfect revenge story against Austria when he fired home in the 93rd minute after a long spell of Algerian possession, putting his side 3-2 up and sending Austria crashing out.
For a brief moment, it felt like Algeria had rewritten history against the nation tied to one of their greatest football injustices.
But Kalajdzic had other plans.
Coming off the bench for one final push, the towering forward headed home in the dying seconds to seal a dramatic 3-3 draw and send Austria into the knockout rounds.
The result means Austria finish as Group J runners-up and will now face Spain national football team in Los Angeles in the Round of 32. Algeria, meanwhile, advance as one of the best third-placed teams and will take on Switzerland national football team in Vancouver.
It was a match that had everything — goals, history, heartbreak, and redemption — and a reminder of why the World Cup remains football’s greatest drama.
