Riyad Mahrez scored a late goal to give Algeria a 3-2 lead over Austria on June 28, 2026.

What happened?

Algeria and Austria played out a thrilling match, with both teams happy to settle for a draw at 2-2.

The turning point

But then Riyad Mahrez and Houssem Aouar took matters into their own hands, with Aouar flicking the ball through a passive defense and Mahrez showing no mercy.

The outcome

The match ended 3-3, with Austria substitute Sasa Kalajdzic heading home in the sixth minute of stoppage time, securing both teams' passage to the knockout phase.

Reaction

Austria manager Ralf Rangnick described the match as a 'Hollywood ending', with a dramatic course and unexpected trajectory.

The match was played on June 28, 2026, and Algeria completed 279 out of 282 passes from the 65th minute to the 91st.

Austria completed 80 of 85 passes in the same period, with only two shots attempted.

The draw secured both teams' passage to the knockout phase, eliminating Iran.

Riyad Mahrez's goal was his second of the evening, and it sent Austria to the brink of elimination.

The match was a thrilling end to the World Cup group stage, showcasing the drama and flaws of the new 48-team format.

The format has lessened the sense of jeopardy and raised the possibility of teams playing towards mutually convenient outcomes.

This was evident in the 1982 World Cup, when West Germany and Austria played out a 1-0 win for West Germany, enabling both nations to qualify for the next round at the expense of Algeria.

FIFA ensured that the final games in each group would be played simultaneously to minimize the threat of collusion.

The referee in the 1982 match, Bob Valentine, told The Athletic in 2022 that he started getting a bad feeling about 20 minutes into the match.

Rangnick and Algeria counterpart Vladimir Petkovic pointed out that the match in Kansas City was nothing like the 1982 match, with an entertaining and unpredictable game.

The match was played in Kansas City on June 28, 2026, and it will be remembered for its dramatic ending.

Riyad Mahrez's goal was the turning point in the match, and it secured Algeria's passage to the knockout phase.

The World Cup group stage has showcased the drama and excitement of the tournament, with Algeria and Austria playing out a thrilling match.

The match ended 3-3, with both teams securing their passage to the knockout phase.

Riyad Mahrez's goal was a highlight of the match, and it will be remembered for its drama and excitement.

The World Cup knockout phase will begin soon, with Algeria and Austria facing new challenges.

Riyad Mahrez will be a key player for Algeria, and his goal against Austria will give him confidence.

The match between Algeria and Austria was a thrilling end to the World Cup group stage, and it will be remembered for its drama and excitement.