4 takeaways from a dramatic finish between Austria and Algeria in the Group J final

In what was the most dramatic ending to a 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match, Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday night.

For most of the second half, Austria and Algeria seemed content with a 2-2 draw and apparently did not want to take any further risks, knowing that the result would see both teams through.

But then, in added time, Algeria took the lead with a very surprising and high-quality move towards the Austrian area and a powerful shot. Austria now faced elimination, with just two minutes left to get the tie.

Against all odds, Austria achieved it thanks to Sasa Kalajdzic, who scored less than a minute after entering the match. Both Austria and Algeria are qualified, but it was such a wild ride.

Here are my thoughts on perhaps the most dramatic match of the group stage.

1. The wildest ending of the tournament

Starting in the 70th minute, both teams seemed content to play for a tie, knowing that both would advance. Algeria was passing by without showing interest in advancing. It was very boring and the crowd was whistling loudly.

Then, in stoppage time, things changed with two wild changes of drama affecting three teams. Austria completely lost concentration and Algeria seemed to simply want to finish the match, content with a draw. But a channel opened up on the right side and left winger Houssem Aouar moved to the right side and got the ball to overload that side. He then side-footed a ball across the defensive line towards Riyad Mahrez for what appeared to be a dramatic winner.

At that time, Algeria was second, Austria was third but eliminated, and Iran would have advanced to the knockout phase.

Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick had to make another substitution with just seconds remaining. He turned to 6’7 forward Sasa Kalajdzic to step up and look for a miracle.

That happened just a second after entering the game. A long ball was played into the box and Michael Gregoritsch, who came into the game at half-time, headed goalwards for Sasa Kalajdzic, who then headed home for a spectacular equalizer with his first touch of the game.

Then, just minutes after facing elimination, Austria returned to the round of 16, along with Algeria and Iran.

Of course, Austria needs another miracle when they face Spain in the round of 32. But facing Spain is much better than being eliminated, and Austria should play free and relaxed the rest of the way. After this ending, Rangnick and Company are playing with the house’s money.

2. Algeria was excellent from the outside

(Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Algeria’s two goals were scored thanks to great individual efforts from both sides. That has typically been a strength of this team and tonight they produced in a significant way.

Algeria tied for the first time in the 45th minute, when a long ball was played down the right side. Austrian left back Phillipp Mwene was surprised when the ball hit the corner flag. He and the Algerian winger looked for the ball from Riyad Mahrez, but it rolled towards right-back Rafik Belghali, who then dodged two Austrian defenders to fire a shot past Alexander Schlager.

Algeria’s second draw was the result of explosive play on the left flank. Left winger Houssem Aouar received the ball on the wing outside the area. He then dribbled with ease past Austrian defender Stefan Posch and then sent a low pass over the goal for 35-year-old captain Riyad Mahrez to finish.

The third goal was also the result of excellent play from the wingers as Aouar moved from the left side to the right and combined with Mahrez again for what at the time appeared to be the winner.

Even beyond the goals, Algeria was able to be consistently dangerous on the wings throughout the match. Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic made his team play to their strengths well in this match. Expect this to be part of the team’s game plan in the knockout stages.

3. Algeria’s goaltending remains a problem

(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

In Algeria’s first two games, goalkeeper Luca Zidane did not play. Against Argentina, he made a save but unnecessarily coughed up a rebound that bounced straight to Lionel Messi to score. Although Algeria defeated Jordan, Zidane conceded a goal on a shot that he should have been able to stop.

Because of this, Petkovic made a goalkeeper change for Austria and decided to start Oussama Benbot. Benbot, 31, has played his entire career in Algerian clubs and has only made five appearances for the national team.

Benbot did not respond well and made a mistake on Marko Arnautovic’s first goal when he froze to go out for a long ball into the area. Benbot could have made a play and didn’t. Instead, Arnautovic managed to catch the pass and beat Benbot close to the goal.

For Algeria, this is a big problem heading into the playoffs, as it is difficult to see the team having much faith in their goalkeeper, be it Zindane or Benbot.

4. Austria’s senior statesmen prosper

(Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

In the case of Austria, the team got excellent performances from its veterans throughout the group stage. Tonight against Algeria, the veterans performed significantly.

In the first goal in the 28th minute, Real Madrid defender David Alaba, 34, put a long ball into the box for the national team’s all-time leading scorer, Marko Arnautovic, 37, who scored the 49th international goal of his career.

In the second goal, Bayern Munich winger Konrad Laimer, 29, set up Marcel Sabitzer in the center for a powerful shot. For Sabitzer, 32, the goal came one game after he had played his 100th cap in the loss to Argentina.

The spectacular late equalizer that saved the team’s World Cup campaign was achieved by 32-year-old Gregoritsch, who was making his 77th cap.

All of these players have extensive experience with this team and with each other. Austria benefited greatly from this. Against Spain, the team will probably have to continue taking advantage of this experience.