Austria rescues itself in stoppage time and reaches the World Cup Round of 16

After the break, Austria went back in front. Marcel Sabitzer scored in the 55th minute to make it 2:1, appearing to put the team on course for victory. But Algeria remained unfazed and struck back immediately: Riyad Mahrez scored in the 60th minute to equalize again at 2:2, bringing his team back into the game.

In the closing phase, the match turned completely. Riyad Mahrez scored in the third minute of stoppage time to make it 3:2 for Algeria, seemingly dashing Austria's hopes of reaching the Round of 16. However, the team did not respond with resignation but threw everything forward. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Sasa Kalajdzic was found in the penalty area and slotted home to make it 3:3.

Result and Group Standings

With the draw, Austria secured second place in Group J and thus advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The next opponent is Spain, a tough challenge for the team managed by coach Ralf Rangnick. Algeria also reached the round of the last 32 through the result as one of the best eight third-placed teams.

In a group match played simultaneously in Dallas, Argentina defeated Jordan 3:1 and finished top of Group J with three wins from three games. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a free kick, before Lautaro Martínez converted a penalty in the 31st minute to make it 2:0. Lionel Messi, who had been substituted on in the 60th minute, added the final touch in the 80th minute with another free kick to make it 3:0. Musa Al-Taamari scored Jordan's consolation goal in the 55th minute.

Argentina defeats Jordan

With his goal against Jordan, Lionel Messi extended his impressive streak, scoring in a seventh consecutive World Cup match – a record no player had previously reached. The Argentine team will face Cape Verde in the Round of 16.

For Jordan, their first World Cup appearance ended with elimination in the group stage. The team gained valuable experience but left the tournament without a point. It is now confirmed who advances from Group J and who must head home.

Outlook on the Knockout Stage

The draw between Austria and Algeria shows how tight the matches in this World Cup are and how important stamina until stoppage time remains. Austria now faces a demanding task against Spain but wants to carry the confidence gained from the dramatic match into the next round.

From an Austrian perspective, the match delivered a rollercoaster of emotions that ended on a conciliatory note with the 3:3 and qualification for the Round of 16. The team demonstrated mental strength by coming back once more after the apparent 2:3 and seeing out the result.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will continue in the coming days with the Round of 16 matches. Austria will face Spain, Argentina will play Cape Verde, and Algeria, as the best third-placed team, will face an opponent from the remaining group results.