Stoppage-time drama sends Austria and Algeria into World Cup knockouts

Sasa Kalajdzic’s last‑gasp header in the seventh minute of stoppage time turned a 3‑3 deadlock into a draw that secured Austria and Algeria’s passage to the World Cup knockout stage at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Marko Arnautovic opened the scoring by timing a run between the two Algerian centre‑backs, beating goalkeeper Oussama Benbot in a one‑on‑one and netting his record‑extending 49th goal for Austria. The early lead set the tone for a high‑scoring encounter. Rafik Belghali restored parity before the break with a left‑footed strike that slipped past Austria goalkeeper Alexander Schlager. His goal ensured the half‑time score was level at 1‑1.

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In the second half, Konrad Laimer delivered a sharp pass that Marcel Sabitzer finished to reclaim the lead for Austria, reigniting hopes for Iran’s advancement. Minutes later, Riyad Mahrez headed home from a perfect cross by Houssem Aouar to level the match again. Mahrez added a second goal with about a minute left in stoppage time, putting Austria on the brink of elimination. Sasa Kalajdzic responded moments later with a decisive header, sealing the 3‑3 draw.

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The result saw Austria finish second behind Argentina in Group J and set up a Round of 16 clash with European champion Spain in Los Angeles. Algeria, placed third, will meet Switzerland in the Round of 32 in Vancouver. A crowd of 69,045 watched the drama unfold, many cheering for Algeria, whose training base is in nearby Lawrence, Kansas. A still captured Nabil Bentaleb and Phillip Mwene competing for the ball during the match. The outcome echoed the 1982 ‘Disgrace of Gijón’, though this time the draw propelled both teams forward.